ELPS

In today's world, it is very useful to be able to describe the order in which events or elements occur in a sequence. In the English language, one can construct such a description around three key verbs: precede, coincide, and follow.

Precede

The verb "precede" means to come before something in time, order, or position.

Exaples

A loud thunderclap preceded the heavy rainstorm.

A heavy appetizer often precedes the main course in a traditional French meal.

Follow

The verb "follow" means to come after something in time, order, or position.

Examples

Night follows day.

Judith's promotion to manager followed years of her hard work and dedication to the company.

Coincide and coincide with

The verb "coincide" is used to describe the occurrence of two or more events, situations, or things at the same time or in the same place without implying any order of precedence between the two. When you say that something "coincides with something else" it means that that the two things happen or exist simultaneously. They overlap in time or space.

Examples

The re-opening of the art gallery should coincide with the city's annual arts festival.

Tom's and Becky's vacation plans coincide this year, so the've decided to travel together.