What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sequential
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture are sequential. [sequential: adjective]
Example
The steps in the scientific method must be followed in a sequential order. [sequential: adjective]
successive
Example
The company has had three successive quarters of growth. [successive: adjective]
Example
The team won three successive games in a row. [successive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Successive is more commonly used than sequential in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts. Sequential is more commonly used in technical or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sequential and successive?
Both sequential and successive are formal words, but sequential is more technical and specialized, while successive is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
