"predecessor to" vs "predecessor of"

Question

"predecessor to" vs "predecessor of"

Both 'predecessor to' and 'predecessor of' are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Predecessor to' is used when referring to a person or thing that comes before another in a sequence or order, while 'predecessor of' is used when indicating the relationship between the predecessor and the successor. Both phrases are correct, but the choice between them depends on the specific context.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Use 'predecessor to' when indicating that one person or thing precedes another in a sequence or order. For example, 'John was the predecessor to Sarah in the role of manager.'

Examples:

He was the predecessor to the current CEO.
The rotary phone was the predecessor to the smartphone.
The horse-drawn carriage was the predecessor to the automobile.
The typewriter was the predecessor to the computer keyboard.
The cassette tape was the predecessor to the CD.

Alternatives:

came before
preceded
forerunner to
antecedent to
earlier version of

Use 'predecessor of' when specifying the relationship between the predecessor and the successor. For example, 'The rotary phone is the predecessor of the smartphone.'

Examples:

The current model is the predecessor of the previous one.
The typewriter is the predecessor of the computer keyboard.
The cassette tape is the predecessor of the CD.
The horse-drawn carriage is the predecessor of the automobile.
He is the predecessor of the new manager.

Alternatives:

ancestor of
forerunner of
antecedent of
came before
earlier version of

Answer 1

predecessor to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a person or thing that comes before another in a sequence or order.

Answer 2

predecessor of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when indicating the relationship between the predecessor and the successor.

"predecessor to" vs "predecessor of"

predecessor to

predecessor of

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