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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
be successful
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"be successful" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to encourage someone or to describe an accomplishment of a person or organization. For example, you could say "I hope you will be successful in your new job," or "The product launch was a successful endeavor for the company."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
"Will Oprah be successful?
News & Media
All can be successful.
News & Media
Hopefully, we'll be successful.
News & Media
Can Tim be successful?
News & Media
The ceremony will be successful.
News & Media
We have to be successful.
News & Media
Then it will be successful".
News & Media
He wants to be successful.
News & Media
They just may be successful.
News & Media
He can be successful here".
News & Media
They want to be successful.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "be successful" to express a general desire for someone or something to achieve a positive outcome. It works well in both formal and informal settings.
Common error
Avoid using "be successful" without specifying the area or goal. For example, instead of just saying "I want to be successful", clarify "I want to be successful in my career" to provide more context.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "be successful" primarily functions as a directive or declarative expression, aiming to convey a desire, instruction, or statement about achieving a favorable outcome. Ludwig AI highlights numerous instances across diverse textual sources illustrating its application.
Frequent in
News & Media
48%
Formal & Business
20%
Wiki
17%
Less common in
Science
10%
Academia
2%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "be successful" is a common and versatile expression used to convey the desire for a positive outcome. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important to provide context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "achieve success" or "prosper" can add nuanced meaning, and this decision must consider the specific intent and target audience. The phrase's primary function is to encourage, motivate, or express hope for positive results.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
achieve success
Focuses on the accomplishment rather than the state of being.
prosper
Implies a sustained period of success and growth, often in a financial sense.
flourish
Suggests thriving and developing fully, often used in contexts of personal growth or business.
triumph
Highlights a significant victory or achievement over challenges.
prevail
Emphasizes overcoming obstacles and ultimately succeeding.
make it
An informal expression indicating achievement of a goal or desired outcome.
get ahead
Focuses on advancing in a career or social standing.
do well
A general expression for performing effectively and achieving positive results.
realize your potential
Highlights fulfilling one's capabilities and achieving personal goals.
attain your goals
Emphasizes achieving specific objectives that one has set.
FAQs
How can I use "be successful" in a sentence?
You can use "be successful" to express a desire for someone to achieve a positive outcome. For example, "I hope you "be successful" in your new job." Alternatively, you might say, "The key to "be successful" is hard work and dedication."
What are some alternatives to "be successful"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "achieve success", "prosper", or "flourish". Each carries a slightly different nuance.
Is it better to say "be successful" or "become successful"?
Both are grammatically correct. "Be successful" emphasizes the state of achieving success, while "become successful" focuses on the process of achieving it.
What does it mean to "be successful" in life?
The definition of ""be successful"" is subjective and varies from person to person. It can refer to achieving career goals, building strong relationships, making a positive impact, or finding personal fulfillment.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested