successor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "successor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or thing that follows another in a role, office, or position. Example: "After the CEO announced his retirement, the board of directors began searching for a suitable successor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My successor will inherit a business with very strong commercial foundations in place.

The Guardian

Mr Mallon, 65, moved to quell speculation that he would be the natural successor to the Nobel prize-winning Mr Hume within 24 hours of the leader's resignation.

The Guardian

Intent on offering his condolences and meeting Abdullah's successor in person, Obama led an exceptionally high-powered delegation to Riyadh that included former secretaries of state, past presidential candidates and senior military commanders.

The Guardian

"After [King Salman, Abdullah's successor, departs the scene], a power struggle within the royal family is likely.

The Guardian

The French champions are seeking a successor to Carlo Ancelotti, who is to take up the reins at Real Madrid along with his coaching staff, having steered the French club to their first league title in 19 years and the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Guardian - Sport

It is earnestly to be hoped that his successor gets it too.

The Guardian - Opinion

In that analogy, Labour would be looking for a successor who could lead them to power within five years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms Platell, who took her share of the blame for Mr Hague's defeat, cleared her desk at Tory HQ in Westminster on Wednesday and left for good - earlier than expected, as she had previously said she would go when Mr Hague hands over to his successor.

The Guardian

The CBI boss, who is being talked of as a successor to Dick Olver as chairman of BAE Systems, invited the G8 to consider three points in relation to tax reform: Avoiding the moral debate – "it's all about the rules".

The Guardian - Business

Her named successor, Uliana Lopatkina is, of course, also a great ballerina.

The Guardian

But there are calls led by Robert Hazell, professor of British politics and the constitution at UCL, to go further and declare that an incumbent prime minister faces a "duty" to remain in office until a clear successor emerges.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a formal role or position, use "successor" to denote the individual or entity assuming responsibilities. For example, "The appointed "successor" will continue the project."

Common error

Avoid using "successor" when referring to a general replacement that doesn't inherit specific duties or titles. For example, don't use "successor" when "replacement" or "substitute" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "successor" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a person or thing that follows another in a sequence, office, or position. As Ludwig AI suggests, it commonly identifies the individual who takes over responsibilities or duties from a predecessor. The examples show its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "successor" is widely used to indicate the person or entity that follows another in a role, office, or position. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and business domains. While alternatives like "replacement" or "heir" exist, "successor" carries a formal tone, emphasizing the continuity of duties and responsibilities. When using this term, ensure it's appropriate for the context and that you're not merely referring to a general "substitution". Be aware of the potential confusion with the term "predecessor", which denotes the individual who came before.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

replacement

Focuses on the act of replacing someone or something.

heir

Specifically refers to someone who inherits a title, position, or property.

inheritor

Emphasizes the act of inheriting something, be it tangible or intangible.

next in line

Indicates the person who is next in the order of succession.

follow-up

Refers to something that comes after or results from something else.

descendant

Highlights a person or thing that is descended from another.

substitute

Emphasizes the act of replacing someone or something temporarily.

next generation

Highlights the people who will come after the present generation.

subsequent

Focuses on something that follows in time or order.

the one after

A more informal way to refer to the person or thing that comes next.

FAQs

How is the term "successor" typically used in a sentence?

The term "successor" is commonly used to denote someone who follows another in a role, position, or sequence. For example: "The company is seeking a "successor" to the retiring CEO."

What are some alternatives to using "successor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "replacement", "heir", or "inheritor".

What is the difference between "successor" and "predecessor"?

"Successor" refers to the person who comes after, while "predecessor" refers to the person who came before. They are opposite terms, describing the sequence of individuals in a role or position.

When is it appropriate to use "successor" instead of "replacement"?

"Successor" implies a more formal transfer of power or responsibility, often with an element of inheritance or legacy. "Replacement" is a more general term for substituting one thing for another. Use "successor" when the role or position being filled involves a continuity of duties and responsibilities, otherwise prefer "replacement".