be successful in something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be successful in something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing achievements or accomplishments in a specific area or activity. Example: "She worked hard to be successful in her career as a graphic designer."

✓ Grammatically correct

General Usage

Career Advice

Personal Development

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"They don't just want to be successful; they want to be successful in something meaningful.

Duke University

"I think to be successful in something like this you really need to have a passion for it," he said.

Science Magazine

"It's nice to be successful in something, you know?

Los Angeles Times

It is much easier to be successful in something you care about.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But, if we think it through, this line of reasoning implies we will be successful in working at something that we don't enjoy doing, that's not a good fit for us, and that we will find success by working against ourselves.

Forbes

To say that capitalism has been successful is not to say that it has been successful in every country (Argentina is an example of a capitalistic country that was once one of the world's richest but is today middle-ranking and underdeveloped) or that it will continue to be successful in the United States; it won't unless something reverses the very low level of current productivity growth.

The New York Times - Books

"Either we're going to be successful in the next two years, or we'll do something else," says Roach.

Forbes

He decided to quit drinking entirely, realizing, he told the magazine, "I have too much of an opportunity to make something of myself, be successful in my own right.

Los Angeles Times

You can be successful in a popular niche if you provide something that no one else is providing.

WikiHow

However, it suggests using praise with caution is essential, so other students feel that they still have something to add and can be successful in sharing.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Businesses that want to be successful in the 21st century need to be saying and doing something else.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with a verb that indicates effort or intention. For example, "strive to be successful in something" emphasizes dedication and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using overly broad or vague terms for "something". Instead of aiming to "be successful in life", focus on "being successful in a specific career path" or "being successful in personal relationships".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be successful in something" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state or quality of achieving a positive outcome in a specific area. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from career aspirations to personal achievements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Science & Research

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be successful in something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey the achievement of a desired outcome or a high level of accomplishment in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers diverse examples from reliable sources. While versatile across various contexts, it's essential to clearly define the "something" to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "achieve success in something" or "succeed in something" can be used for variety. This phrase is suitable for both professional and informal communication, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve success in something

Replaces "be" with "achieve" and "successful" with "success", focusing on the act of attaining success.

succeed in something

Uses the verb "succeed" instead of the adjective "successful", emphasizing the outcome of achieving a goal.

excel in something

Indicates a high level of performance and skill in a specific area.

thrive in something

Suggests not only success but also growth and flourishing in a particular environment or activity.

flourish in something

Similar to "thrive", emphasizing growth and positive development in a particular area.

prosper in something

Implies financial or material gain as a result of success in a specific endeavor.

triumph in something

Highlights overcoming challenges and achieving a significant victory in a specific situation.

make a mark in something

Focuses on having a significant impact or lasting achievement in a specific field.

do well in something

A more general way of expressing success or competence in a particular activity.

have a flair for something

Indicates a natural talent or aptitude that leads to success in a specific area.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be successful in something"?

To "be successful in something" means to achieve a desired outcome or a high level of accomplishment in a particular activity, field, or endeavor. It implies competence, skill, and often, positive results.

What can I say instead of "be successful in something"?

You can use alternatives like "achieve success in something", "succeed in something", or "excel in something" depending on the context.

How do you use "be successful in something" in a sentence?

You can use "be successful in something" to describe a person's goals or achievements. For example, "She wants to be successful in her career" or "He has been successful in his artistic pursuits".

Is it better to say "be successful at something" or "be successful in something"?

Both "be successful at something" and "be successful in something" are grammatically correct. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "In" often implies a more defined field or area.