What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
successor
Example
The new CEO is the successor to the previous CEO. [successor: noun]
Example
The prince is the successor to the throne. [successor: noun]
Example
She hopes to be her father's successor in the family business. [successor: noun]
follower
Example
He has a large following on social media. [following: noun]
Example
She is a follower of the environmental movement. [follower: noun]
Example
The second-place runner was closely following the first-place runner. [following: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Follower is more commonly used than successor in everyday language. Follower is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while successor is less common and is typically used in more formal or specialized contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between successor and follower?
Successor is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while follower can be used in both formal and informal contexts.