will inherit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will inherit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the transfer of property, rights, or characteristics from one person or entity to another, typically after death. Example: "If my grandfather passes away, I will inherit his estate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our children will inherit this.

The New Yorker

Both will inherit a mess.

The New York Times - Sports

Chefs will inherit the earth.

The New York Times - Arts

But Mr Mistry will inherit problems.

The Economist

Whoever wins will inherit an unenviable legacy.

The Economist

"My son will inherit," says Tindle promptly.

The Guardian

He will inherit a difficult hand.

The New York Times

The party will inherit big deficits.

The New York Times

Eventually, the weeds will inherit the earth.

The Guardian - Opinion

The chubby will inherit the earth.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That way, his daughter will inherit more money.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, use the phrase to denote the transmission of properties from parent objects or classes to children in hierarchical systems.

Common error

Avoid using "will inherit" when you mean a person is taking someone's place in a professional hierarchy unless you are referring to the office as a possession. You succeed a person, but you inherit their office or their problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will inherit" functions as a future tense transitive verb phrase composed of the modal auxiliary verb "will" and the base form of the verb "inherit". As seen in Ludwig AI examples, it typically links a future recipient (subject) with an object representing property, a role, a genetic trait or a circumstantial legacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Social Media

10%

Wiki

5%

Informal Conversation

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "will inherit" is an essential and standard construction in English for expressing future succession. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency across premium sources like The New York Times and The Economist, where it is used both literally (for property and estates) and figuratively (for inheriting political "messes" or corporate challenges). Whether you are writing about genetics, law or political transitions, this phrase provides a clear and authoritative way to describe the inevitable flow of assets and traits from one generation or entity to the next. It remains one of the most reliable ways to discuss the future consequences of current actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is set to inherit

Adds a layer of expectation or predetermined planning to the future action

will receive

More general and lacks the specific implication of succession or following a predecessor

shall inherit

Possesses a biblical, legal or highly authoritative tone that implies inevitability

will succeed to

Highly formal and typically reserved for titles, thrones or specific legal entitlements

will come into

An idiomatic expression often specifically used when discussing the acquisition of wealth or property

will take over

Emphasizes the active assumption of control or responsibility rather than just passive possession

will assume

Used when the inheritance involves roles, duties or metaphorical burdens like debt

will acquire

Suggests a more neutral process of gaining possession, often used in business or scientific contexts

will be bequeathed

Passive construction focusing on the act of giving by the predecessor through a will

will obtain

Focuses on the successful acquisition of a result or characteristic

FAQs

How do I use "will inherit" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe future possession or succession, such as: "The next generation "will inherit" a world transformed by technology."

What is the difference between "will inherit" and "will receive"?

While both describe getting something in the future, "will receive" is generic, whereas "will inherit" implies a transition from a predecessor or an ancestor.

Can "will inherit" be used for negative things?

Yes, it is frequently used metaphorically in news and business to describe taking on burdens, as in: "The new CEO "will inherit" a company in turmoil."

Is "shall inherit" more correct than "will inherit"?

Not necessarily. "shall inherit" is more formal or archaic, often found in legal or religious texts, while "will inherit" is the standard modern usage for the future tense.