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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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be successful

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Will Oprah be successful?

News & Media

Independent

All can be successful.

News & Media

The New York Times

Hopefully, we'll be successful.

News & Media

The New York Times

Can Tim be successful?

The ceremony will be successful.

News & Media

Independent

We have to be successful.

News & Media

Independent

Then it will be successful".

News & Media

Independent

He wants to be successful.

News & Media

Independent

They just may be successful.

News & Media

Independent

He can be successful here".

News & Media

The New Yorker

They want to be successful.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: