Useful alternatives include “precede”, “come before”, “build toward”, “pave the way for”. “Lead up to” can describe events that precede something or developments that help cause it. These alternatives separate sequence from causation.
Choose the Phrase by Sequence or Cause
- Precede
- Come before
- Build toward
- Pave the way for
- Set the stage for
- Prepare for
- Culminate in
- Contribute to
- Result in
- Bring about
- Cause
- Give rise to
- Usher in
Precede
“Precede” means occur earlier in time and does not necessarily imply causation.
Example: Several short meetings precede the final review.
Come before
“Come before” is the plain-language equivalent of “precede”.
Example: Several short meetings come before the final review.
Build toward
“Build toward” suggests a gradual process moving toward a later event or outcome.
Example: The early sessions build toward the final assessment.
Pave the way for
“Pave the way for” implies earlier events or actions make a later event more likely or possible.
Example: The reforms may pave the way for a wider change.
Set the stage for
“Set the stage for” focuses on creating the conditions in which a later event can happen.
Example: The reforms may set the stage for a wider change.
Prepare for
“Prepare for” is best when earlier action is deliberate preparation.
Example: The planning work will prepare for the launch.
Culminate in
“Culminate in” means end in a final event or outcome after a sequence of developments.
Example: Months of work culminate in the final launch.
Contribute to
“Contribute to” signals that something was one factor among others producing the later outcome.
Example: The changes may contribute to a new phase.
Result in
“Result in” means the earlier event produces the later one as an outcome.
Example: The changes may result in a new phase.
Bring about
“Bring about” implies active causation rather than simple sequence.
Example: The changes may bring about a new phase.
Cause
“Cause” is the strongest causal verb in the list.
Example: The changes may cause a new phase.
Give rise to
“Give rise to” is formal and means cause something to happen or develop.
Example: The changes may give rise to a new phase.
Usher in
“Usher in” suggests introducing or beginning a new period, change, or condition.
Example: The changes may usher in a new phase.
Sequence and Causation Are Different
Something that leads up to an event may simply occur before it, or it may help cause the event. “Precede” is about sequence; “bring about” and “cause” are about causation.