I prevail

USAGE SUMMARY

"I prevail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express the idea of "triumphing over a difficult situation, circumstances, etc." For example, "Although the odds were against him, in the end he prevailed and won the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Still, I prevail and the lion retreats.

The New Yorker

Will they support me, if I prevail?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

My memories pale as I prevail upon them again and again.

The New Yorker

The images of things are not the things in themselves.... My memories pale as I prevail upon them again and again.

The New Yorker

"However, should I prevail and the state parties be found to have acted unlawfully, I expect the immediate return of my passport and the termination of further attempts to arrest me," he said in a statement.

Independent

He added: "However, should I prevail and the state parties be found to have acted unlawfully, I expect the immediate return of my passport and the termination of further attempts to arrest me".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

If β ≥ γ then W i prevails upon D and g i is V-shaped as in the uncongested case, yet with reduced slope around its minimal point (Fig. 2).

European Transport Research Review

I prevailed.

The New York Times

But I prevailed, I guess".

The Guardian

Back and forth we went until finally I prevailed.

The New York Times - Health

I prevailed, though, and we were all late for school.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I prevail" to denote success achieved against specific obstacles or opposition, not just general success.

Common error

Avoid using "I prevail" in casual conversation; it often sounds overly formal or boastful. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I won" or "I succeeded" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I prevail" is to act as a declarative statement expressing the subject's achievement of dominance or victory. This phrase indicates a successful outcome after facing challenges, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I prevail" signifies triumph over challenges, and while grammatically correct, its usage lies more within neutral to formal registers. Ludwig's AI confirms this, and the examples provided highlight its presence in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When opting for similar expressions, consider alternatives like "I triumph" or "I overcome", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. While versatile, "I prevail" may sound overly formal in casual conversations, making it crucial to choose contextually appropriate synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I triumph

Emphasizes a celebratory victory or success, carrying a slightly more emphatic tone.

I am victorious

Highlights the state of having achieved victory, often after a significant struggle.

I overcome

Focuses on successfully dealing with and moving past a challenge or obstacle.

I conquer

Suggests a more forceful and decisive victory, often implying control or domination.

I am successful

Indicates a general positive outcome, lacking the specific connotation of overcoming adversity.

I achieve success

Emphasizes the act of attaining success, possibly through effort and planning.

I get the upper hand

Highlights gaining an advantage over someone or something, implying a shift in power dynamics.

I gain the victory

Formally states the act of winning a competition or contest.

I come out on top

Informally suggests emerging as the winner or most successful in a particular situation.

I am the winner

Directly states the outcome of winning, without necessarily implying a struggle.

FAQs

How can I use "I prevail" in a sentence?

Use "I prevail" to indicate that you have been successful, especially after a struggle or against opposition. For example, "Despite the challenges, "I prevail" and achieve my goals."

What are some alternatives to "I prevail"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I triumph", "I overcome", or "I succeed".

Is "I prevail" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "I prevail" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing overcoming obstacles or achieving a hard-won victory. It conveys a sense of determination and eventual success.

What is the difference between "I prevail" and "I win"?

"I win" generally denotes success in a competition or game, while "I prevail" suggests overcoming a broader range of challenges or opposition. "I win" is more direct, while "I prevail" implies a more significant struggle was involved.