close to success

USAGE SUMMARY

"close to success" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to express that you are nearly finished with a task or goal. For example: "I've been working hard on this project and am now close to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Man is ever so close to success.

The Economist

Finally negotiations seemed close to success.

The New Yorker

I also come close to success.

The Guardian - Arts

Talks with Syria came close to success in 2000.

The Economist

None of these latter three is close to success.

The Guardian

At times during the campaign the polls suggested they were close to success.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Prizefighter comes closer to success outside of the ring.

The New York Times - Arts

The group came closest to success with an attempt on Hitler's life on July 20 , 1944

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scheduled for completion next year, the sequencing is expected to bring that quest closer to success.

The New York Times - Science

"The question is whether our new strategy will bring us closer to success.

The New York Times

Nor have the companies' corporate links brought writers any closer to success.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to success" to convey the idea that an endeavor is nearing its successful completion. It's suitable for describing situations where progress has been made, and the final result is anticipated soon.

Common error

Avoid using "close to success" when the outcome is still highly uncertain or when significant obstacles remain. The phrase implies a high degree of probability and nearness to the desired result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to success" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate proximity to a successful outcome. Ludwig AI identifies it as a common expression used to describe situations nearing completion or achievement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to success" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where a goal is nearing completion. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best used when the successful outcome is highly probable, not just a distant possibility. Remember that while interchangeable alternatives exist, context and nuance should drive your choices. The phrase is an adjective construction to be employed in diverse registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of success

Emphasizes being at the very edge or brink of achieving success.

within reach of success

Suggests that success is attainable and nearby.

nearing triumph

More formal and emphasizes the celebratory aspect of achieving victory.

about to achieve

Focuses on the imminent act of achieving something.

close to accomplishing

Focuses on the act of successfully completing a task or goal.

approaching victory

Highlights the process of moving closer to winning.

drawing near to success

Suggests a gradual approach towards a successful outcome.

on track for success

Indicates that current progress is aligned with a successful outcome.

on the home stretch

An idiomatic expression referring to the final part of a race or project.

almost there

An informal way of saying that success is very close.

FAQs

How can I use "close to success" in a sentence?

You can use "close to success" to describe a situation where someone or something is nearly achieving a goal. For example, "The team is "close to success" after months of hard work".

What are some alternatives to "close to success"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "on the verge of success", "nearing triumph", or "within reach of success".

Is it grammatically correct to say "close to a success"?

While understandable, "close to success" is more common and idiomatic than "close to a success". The former treats "success" as an abstract state, while the latter implies a specific instance of success.

What's the difference between "close to success" and "successful"?

"Close to success" indicates that something is nearing completion or achievement, whereas "successful" means that something has already achieved the desired outcome. Therefore, "close to success" implies a future achievement, while successful denotes a past or present one.