achieve greatness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "achieve greatness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing personal or professional success, accomplishments, or reaching a high level of excellence. Example: "With hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve greatness in their chosen field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them – and many impersonate the great.

The Guardian - Film

A great English poet once wrote: "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them".

Huffington Post

Some awards shows are born great, some achieve greatness and some are thrust upon us.

The New York Times - Arts

Some people are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them".

The Guardian

Some record labels are born great, some achieve greatness, others have greatness thrust on them.

The Guardian - Music

To quote Shakespeare, "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them".

The New York Times

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some simply snatch it while everyones looking the other way.

The Guardian - Music

ENGLISH PROVERB Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some hire public relations officers.

Forbes

As the Bard wrote, "Be not afraid of greatness: Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them".

Forbes

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them at conferences in Dubai.

Vice

The first lesson is that to achieve greatness you have to work very hard and sacrifice.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "achieve greatness" with specific areas or domains to provide context and focus, for example, "achieve greatness in leadership" or "achieve greatness in scientific research".

Common error

Avoid using "achieve greatness" in contexts where the accomplishment is minor or trivial. Reserve it for situations where the achievement is truly significant and impactful. It can lose its meaning if it's overused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "achieve greatness" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, where the verb "achieve" acts as a transitive verb taking "greatness" as its object. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "achieve greatness" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for describing the attainment of high levels of success or significance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English and is often found in contexts related to news, business, and motivational content. While highly versatile, it's important to reserve it for situations where the achievement is truly substantial, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. When looking for alternatives remember that phrases like "attain distinction" and "fulfill potential" can add nuances to express specific kind of reaching of success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attain distinction

Focuses on gaining recognition and respect for excellence.

reach the pinnacle

Emphasizes reaching the highest point of success or achievement.

fulfill potential

Highlights the complete realization of one's inherent capabilities.

realize ambitions

Focuses on making one's goals and aspirations a reality.

make a name for oneself

Stresses establishing a strong reputation and identity through accomplishments.

leave a mark

Emphasizes having a lasting impact or influence.

rise to prominence

Highlights the ascent to a position of importance and influence.

excel in one's field

Focuses on surpassing others in a specific area of expertise.

become accomplished

Emphasizes becoming highly skilled and proficient.

make strides

Focuses on making significant progress and advancements.

FAQs

How can I use "achieve greatness" in a sentence?

The phrase "achieve greatness" is often used to describe the attainment of significant accomplishments through hard work and dedication. For example, "With perseverance, anyone can "achieve greatness" in their field."

What are some alternatives to "achieve greatness"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "attain distinction", "reach the pinnacle", or "fulfill potential".

Is it better to say "achieve greatness" or "attain greatness"?

Both "achieve greatness" and "attain greatness" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference, though "achieve" might be slightly more common in contemporary usage.

What does it really mean to "achieve greatness"?

To "achieve greatness" implies reaching a high level of accomplishment, skill, or recognition in a particular area. It suggests surpassing ordinary achievements and making a significant impact.