a successful shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a successful shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to sports, photography, or any situation where achieving a desired outcome is described as a "shot." Example: "After several attempts, she finally made a successful shot from the three-point line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The players were more likely to miss after a successful shot.

The New York Times

They also were likely to be defended more vigorously after a successful shot, since defenders are as influenced by a belief in hot hands as anyone else.

The New York Times

The posts are fitted with a netting fastened to the ground behind the goal to stop passage of the ball after a successful shot.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After examining thousands of shots by the Philadelphia 76ers, he proved that the odds of a successful shot cannot be predicted by the shots that came before.

The New York Times - Magazine

But unlike IBM's chip, HRL's wasn't programmed to play the game only to move its paddle, sense the ball, and receive feedback that either rewarded a successful shot or punished a miss.

MIT Technology Review

The one-handed drive has its advantages: extra reach in an era when the game has accelerated; more chance of a successful shot when off balance; a greater element of surprise when switching to a drop shot; and a capacity — some say — to generate more acute angles.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In Ramadi, a western base for insurgents, a message posted early Thursday afternoon on the gates of a mosque that has served as a bulletin board for alleged insurgent statements asserted that an attacker with a shoulder-fired missile launcher had waited three days on a hilltop for his successful shot at a foreign aircraft.

The Washington Post

Tomahawk Shot - A successful Cobra shot.

WikiHow

One is the management of Óscar Washington Tabárez, a former schoolteacher, who returned to coach the national squad after a shorter, less successful shot at it two decades ago.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a foolhardy but successful shot.

The New Yorker

There is a good Mississippi interior set by Leslie Hurry and a performance of great authority and some pathos by the Broadway actress Kim Stanley as Maggie the Cat. Leo McKern has a brave and nearly successful shot at the bloated patriarch: but it wants an older man.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific event, use vivid language to illustrate the context and impact of the "a successful shot". For instance, instead of simply saying "He made a successful shot", elaborate with "With a final burst of energy, he sunk a successful shot at the buzzer, securing the championship victory".

Common error

Avoid using "a successful shot" as a generic phrase for any achievement. It is more impactful when used to describe precise actions or attempts, such as in sports or photography. Overusing it diminishes its descriptive power.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a successful shot" is that of a noun phrase, where 'successful' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'shot'. The phrase typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an action or event with a positive outcome. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Sports

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3.33%

Academia

3.33%

Science

3.33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a successful shot" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, used to describe an attempt that achieves its intended goal. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used correctly and is widely accepted. While versatile, it is most frequently used in contexts related to news, sports and media. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with precise actions or attempts rather than generic achievements. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use across varied contexts, reinforcing its overall acceptability and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-executed shot

Emphasizes the skill and precision involved in making the shot.

a perfect shot

Implies the shot was flawless and achieved the best possible outcome.

a winning shot

Highlights the shot's role in securing a victory or positive result.

a fortunate shot

Suggests luck played a significant role in the shot's success.

a skillful shot

Focuses on the talent and expertise of the person making the shot.

an effective shot

Highlights the impact and usefulness of the shot.

a decisive shot

Emphasizes the importance of the shot in determining the outcome.

a remarkable shot

Highlights the exceptional nature or impressiveness of the shot.

a beneficial shot

Focuses on the positive outcome that the shot had

a productive shot

Highlights the efficiency and results achieved by the shot.

FAQs

How can I use "a successful shot" in a sentence?

You can use "a successful shot" to describe a positive outcome of an attempt. For example, "The photographer captured a successful shot of the rare bird in flight", or "The basketball player made a successful shot at the buzzer".

What are some alternatives to saying "a successful shot"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a well-executed shot", "a perfect shot", or "a winning shot".

Is "a successful shot" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a successful shot" is grammatically correct. "Successful" is an adjective modifying the noun "shot". The article "a" is used because "successful" begins with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "a successful shot" and "a lucky shot"?

"A successful shot" implies skill and planning contributed to the positive outcome, while "a lucky shot" implies that the outcome was primarily due to chance or good fortune.