Are you confused about whether to use “accede” or “succeed” in your writing? These two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can affect the clarity of your message. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these words and provide examples of when to use each one.
Let’s define the terms. “Accede” means to agree to a request or demand, often in a formal or official way. For example, a country might accede to a treaty by signing it. “Succeed,” on the other hand, means to achieve a goal or take over a position or role. For example, a new CEO might succeed the previous one.
While both words involve achieving a desired outcome, they are used in different contexts. “Accede” is typically used in situations where someone is agreeing to something that has been proposed by someone else, while “succeed” is used in situations where someone is taking over a role or achieving a personal goal. It’s important to use the correct word to ensure that your message is clear and accurate.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the uses of “accede” and “succeed” in more detail and provide examples of each.
Define Accede
Accede is a verb that means to agree to a request or demand, or to assume a position of power or authority. It can also refer to the act of becoming a member of a treaty or organization.
- Example sentence: The company acceded to the union’s demands for better working conditions.
Define Succeed
Succeed is a verb that means to achieve a desired outcome or goal. It can also refer to taking over a position or role after someone else has left.
- Example sentence: She worked hard to succeed in her career and eventually became a CEO.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is essential for effective communication. Accede and succeed are two words that are often confused with each other due to their similar spellings and pronunciation. However, they have different meanings and usage in a sentence. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly.
How To Use Accede In A Sentence
Accede is a verb that means to agree to a request or demand, to assume an office or position, or to become a member of a group. Here are some examples of how to use accede in a sentence:
- After much persuasion, the board finally acceded to the CEO’s proposal.
- The prince will accede to the throne upon the death of his father.
- The country acceded to the United Nations in 1955.
As you can see from the examples, accede is often used in the context of agreeing to something or assuming a position of authority.
How To Use Succeed In A Sentence
Succeed is a verb that means to achieve a goal or to follow in sequence. Here are some examples of how to use succeed in a sentence:
- If you work hard, you will succeed in your career.
- The new product launch succeeded beyond our expectations.
- He will succeed his father as the CEO of the company.
As you can see from the examples, succeed is often used in the context of achieving a goal or following in someone’s footsteps.
It is important to note that while these words have different meanings, they can be used interchangeably in certain contexts. For example, you can say “he succeeded to the throne” or “he acceded to the throne” to mean the same thing.
However, it is best to use each word in its appropriate context to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication.
More Examples Of Accede & Succeed Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between accede and succeed, it is important to see how they are used in different contexts. Here are some examples of using accede and succeed in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Accede In A Sentence
- After much debate, the board finally acceded to the CEO’s proposal.
- The government has acceded to the demands of the protesters.
- The company acceded to the union’s demands for better wages and benefits.
- He finally acceded to her request for a divorce.
- The landlord acceded to the tenant’s request for a new refrigerator.
- She acceded to his request for a loan.
- They acceded to the terms of the treaty.
- The king acceded to the throne at a young age.
- The new CEO acceded to the position after the previous one retired.
- The team acceded to the championship after a long and hard-fought season.
Examples Of Using Succeed In A Sentence
- She worked hard and finally succeeded in passing the bar exam.
- The company succeeded in increasing its profits for the third quarter in a row.
- He succeeded in convincing his boss to give him a raise.
- The team succeeded in winning the championship after a nail-biting final game.
- The new product line succeeded in capturing the attention of consumers.
- He succeeded in his goal of climbing Mount Everest.
- The book succeeded in becoming a bestseller.
- The movie succeeded in winning multiple awards at the film festival.
- The politician succeeded in passing the controversial bill through Congress.
- The entrepreneur succeeded in launching a successful startup company.
These examples illustrate how accede and succeed are used in different situations. Accede is often used in the context of agreeing to a request or demand, while succeed is used to describe achieving a goal or objective. By understanding the nuances of these two words, you can use them more effectively in your own writing and communication.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s easy to get confused between words that sound similar or have similar meanings. One common mistake that people make is using the words “accede” and “succeed” interchangeably, when in fact they have very different meanings.
Using “Accede” Instead Of “Succeed”
One common mistake is using “accede” instead of “succeed”. While both words may refer to achieving a goal or reaching a certain level of success, they have different connotations. “Succeed” refers to achieving a goal or objective, while “accede” refers to agreeing to a request or demand.
For example, if you say “I will accede to your request”, you are indicating that you will agree to the request. However, if you say “I will succeed in completing this project”, you are indicating that you will achieve your goal of completing the project successfully.
Using “Succeed” Instead Of “Accede”
On the other hand, using “succeed” instead of “accede” can also be a common mistake. This mistake often occurs when people use “succeed” to mean “give in” or “yield”. However, “succeed” refers to achieving a goal or objective, not giving in to a demand or request.
For example, if you say “I will succeed to your request”, it would be incorrect as “succeed” does not mean “give in” or “yield”. Instead, you could use “accede” to indicate that you are agreeing to the request.
Tips To Avoid Confusing “Accede” And “Succeed”
- Remember that “accede” means to agree to a request or demand, while “succeed” means to achieve a goal or objective.
- Use context clues to determine the correct word to use. Think about the meaning of the sentence and what you are trying to convey.
- Consult a dictionary if you are unsure of the meaning of a word.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid making common mistakes when using “accede” and “succeed” in your writing and communication.
Context Matters
Accede and succeed are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can depend on the context in which they are used. Understanding the differences between these two words can help you choose the right one for your writing, depending on the situation.
Accede
Accede is a verb that means to agree or consent to a request or demand. It can also mean to assume an office or position of power. Accede is often used in formal or legal contexts, such as treaties, contracts, or agreements.
For example, “The company acceded to the union’s demands for better working conditions,” or “The new president will accede to the office next week.”
Succeed
Succeed is a verb that means to achieve a desired outcome or to follow in someone’s footsteps. It can also mean to take over a position or role from someone else. Succeed is often used in everyday language or in business contexts.
For example, “She succeeded in getting the promotion she wanted,” or “The new CEO will succeed the current one next month.”
Contextual Differences
The choice between accede and succeed can depend on the context in which they are used. Here are some examples:
| Context | Accede | Succeed |
|---|---|---|
| Legal agreements | The parties acceded to the terms of the contract. | The plaintiff succeeded in proving their case. |
| Leadership transitions | The new president will accede to the office next week. | The CEO will be succeeded by the COO. |
| Achieving goals | The company acceded to the union’s demands for better working conditions. | The team succeeded in winning the championship. |
As you can see, the choice between accede and succeed can depend on the context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of each word can help you choose the right one for your writing, depending on the situation.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “accede” and “succeed” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some examples:
1. Idiomatic Expressions
There are some idiomatic expressions where “succeed” and “accede” are used in a non-literal sense. In these cases, the rules for using the words may not apply.
- “Succeed in doing something” means to accomplish or achieve something, but “succeed to the throne” means to ascend to a position of power or royalty.
- “Accede to a request” means to agree to a request, but “accede to power” means to assume power or authority.
2. Regional Differences
The usage of “accede” and “succeed” can also vary depending on the region or country. For example:
- In British English, “succeed to” is used to refer to inheriting a title or position, while in American English, “succeed” is used without the preposition.
- In some parts of the world, “accede” is used more commonly than “succeed” in certain contexts. For example, in international law, “accede” is used to refer to a country becoming a party to a treaty.
3. Contextual Differences
The context in which “accede” and “succeed” are used can also affect their meaning. For example:
- “Succeed” can mean to follow in order or sequence, as in “the letter A succeeds the letter B.” In this context, “accede” would not be appropriate.
- “Accede” can mean to assume an office or position, as in “he acceded to the presidency.” In this context, “succeed” would not be appropriate.
Overall, while the rules for using “accede” and “succeed” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where their usage may vary depending on the context, region, or idiomatic expression.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of accede and succeed is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to get you started:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (accede or succeed) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:
- After years of hard work, she finally __________ in getting her dream job.
- The company’s CEO decided to __________ to the demands of the striking workers.
- It’s important to remember that just because you __________ in one area of your life, it doesn’t mean you will in another.
- The new president will __________ to power next month.
- Despite facing many obstacles, the team was able to __________ in winning the championship.
Answers:
- succeeded
- accede
- succeed
- accede
- succeed
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word (accede or succeed) to complete each sentence below:
- The new CEO will __________ to her position next week.
- After several attempts, he was finally able to __________ in solving the difficult problem.
- The company’s board of directors decided to __________ to the demands of the shareholders.
- Despite her lack of experience, she was able to __________ in landing the job.
- It’s important to __________ in life, but it’s also important to know when to give up.
Answers:
- accede
- succeed
- accede
- succeed
- succeed
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between “accede” and “succeed” is crucial for effective communication. The two words may seem interchangeable, but they have distinct meanings that can greatly impact the message being conveyed.
It is important to remember that “accede” refers to agreeing to a request or demand, while “succeed” refers to achieving a goal or reaching a desired outcome. Confusing these two words can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, which can have serious consequences in both personal and professional settings.
By taking the time to learn and master the nuances of language use, we can improve our communication skills and avoid common errors that can detract from our message.
Key Takeaways
- “Accede” means to agree to a request or demand, while “succeed” means to achieve a goal or reach a desired outcome.
- Confusing these two words can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
- Mastering language use can improve communication skills and avoid common errors.
Remember, language is a powerful tool that can greatly impact how we are perceived by others. By continuing to learn and develop our grammar and language skills, we can become more effective communicators and achieve greater success in all aspects of our lives.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.