a good success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good success" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used when referring to a successful outcome that is perceived as positive or favorable, but "good" is often unnecessary. Example: "The project was a good success, exceeding all our expectations."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Politicians and planners love a good success story.

The Guardian

I like a good success story as much as the next person.

The New York Times - Books

Clinical evaluations, which have been ongoing for 3 years, indicate a good success rate for zirconia FPDs.

Journal of Dentistry

A constitutive equation for elastomeric networks (ABGIL) was proposed by us previously and tested with a good success (Polymer 2003, 2004).

Polymer

About 35 miles west, in Huntington, the $75 million McGovern-Barbash project was deemed "a good success story," by Mr. Wieboldt.

The New York Times

Chancellor Helmut Kohl of West Germany said that the summit conference was "a good success" but warned that the seven nations must not rest on their laurels.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Lipitor was initially expected to be an $800 million drug, and Viagra, touted as a megahit, is now only a fairly good success, with annual sales of $1.7 billion.

Forbes

"It turned out to be a pretty good success".

The New York Times - Sports

So it was a pretty good success story.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"That is a very good success for human beings".

The New York Times

I think it was a very good success.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger alternatives like "great success" or "notable achievement" for more impactful writing. While "a good success" is understandable, more precise phrasing can improve clarity and engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "good" when the context already implies a positive outcome. Phrases like "successful project" or "successful endeavor" are often more concise and effective than "a good success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good success" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing an event or endeavor that has yielded positive results. Ludwig provides examples where it is used to denote achievements in various fields, from business to personal endeavors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a good success" signifies a positive outcome or achievement, yet its usage can sometimes feel slightly awkward. Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical status as acceptable but suggests that stronger alternatives often exist for more impactful writing. While it appears across various contexts, including news media, science, and academia, more precise phrasing such as "great success" or "notable achievement" can enhance clarity and engagement. When aiming for professional or formal communication, it's advisable to consider these alternatives for a more polished tone. The phrase functions to express approval or satisfaction, and its frequency is classified as common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant accomplishment

Similar to "a notable achievement" but suggests a greater level of importance or impact.

a notable achievement

Substitutes "success" with "achievement", emphasizing the accomplishment itself.

a considerable triumph

Replaces "success" with "triumph", implying a greater degree of achievement or overcoming significant obstacles.

a resounding victory

Indicates a clear and decisive win, often in a competitive situation.

a favorable outcome

Similar to "a positive result", highlighting the advantageous nature of the result.

a positive result

Focuses on the outcome being favorable, rather than the overall success.

a fruitful undertaking

Implies that the effort resulted in something valuable or beneficial.

a worthwhile endeavor

Emphasizes the value and effort put into the activity, resulting in a positive outcome.

a beneficial development

Highlights the positive and advantageous aspects of the progress made.

a marked improvement

Highlights progress and advancement, suggesting a positive change from a previous state.

FAQs

Is "a good success" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "a good success" is less common and can sound awkward. Alternatives like "great success" or "successful outcome" are often preferred.

What are some alternatives to "a good success"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "considerable triumph", "notable achievement", or "significant accomplishment".

When is it appropriate to use "a good success"?

It's generally acceptable when emphasizing the positive nature of an achievement. However, more impactful phrasing is usually available. For example: "The campaign was a good success because the team was dedicated" can be reframed to "The campaign was a success because the team was dedicated".

How can I make my writing sound more professional than using "a good success"?

Opt for stronger and more precise language. Instead of "a good success", consider using terms like "positive result" or "favorable outcome", or "worthwhile endeavor", which convey a more sophisticated tone.