Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
establish success
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "establish success" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of creating or achieving success in a particular area or endeavor. Example: "To ensure the project's longevity, we must establish success through careful planning and execution."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
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
3 human-written examples
I've learned to establish success metrics early on.
News & Media
Designate "sponsors" to assign resources to IT initiatives, establish success metrics, and oversee implementation.
News & Media
Most recently Canonical has been pronouncing Ubuntu as the most popular OS for cloud computing environments; and they've also been trying to establish success in the enterprise data center.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Coaching for Change is by no means an established success.
News & Media
In writing it, the young Puccini dared to take on Massenet, whose 1884 "Manon" was an established success.
News & Media
While Nook made significant inroads into the US market, it hasn't sold as well over here, thanks to the established success of Kindle and Kobo.
News & Media
Other theories suggest that a rising fashion star might be plucked to take over at Dior or that an established success story — such as the invigoration of Lanvin by the designer Alber Elbaz — could be transferred to the LVMH stable.
News & Media
Other theories suggest that a rising fashion star might be plucked to take over at Dior or that an established success story — such as the invigoration of Lanvin by the designer Alber Elbaz — could be transferred to the LVMH stable.
News & Media
It will be noted that integral musical quality is subordinate on this scale, although it is specifically the musical appeal that establishes success in the first place, disseminates that success through other media, and may later lead to revival in the country of origin and to reproduction in other countries.
Encyclopedias
Federal regulations contain minimum criteria for establishing success standards for extensive land uses (30 CFR 816.117), but state authorities also establish specific standards.
There is no substitute for pull in establishing success for a web company; the key is producing something sufficiently valuable in repeat interactions.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "establish success", consider defining specific metrics early on to measure progress and ensure a clear understanding of what success looks like in your context. Establishing these metrics from the outset helps to maintain focus and allows for adjustments along the way.
Common error
Avoid using "establish success" when you actually mean maintaining or building upon existing success. "Establish success" implies creating something new, while maintaining success suggests preserving an already existing state.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "establish success" functions as a verbal phrase, where "establish" acts as a verb indicating the action of creating or setting up, and "success" serves as the noun representing the desired outcome. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often appears in business and project management contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Formal & Business
33%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "establish success" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, though it appears less frequently than alternatives like "achieve success" or "create success". As confirmed by Ludwig, it's often used in business, science and news contexts to emphasize the deliberate creation of conditions for a positive outcome. To use it effectively, remember to define clear success metrics early on and avoid confusing it with maintaining existing success. Although the frequency is classified as rare, Ludwig confirms the phrase is valid and provides several examples of its usage across various reliable sources.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
achieve success
Focuses on the accomplishment or attainment of success, rather than the initial establishment.
create success
Emphasizes the act of bringing success into existence, highlighting the creative aspect.
ensure success
Highlights the actions taken to guarantee a favorable outcome or to make success certain.
secure success
Implies obtaining or guaranteeing success through deliberate effort and planning.
build success
Suggests a gradual process of constructing success over time, emphasizing development and growth.
foster success
Emphasizes the act of nurturing and promoting conditions that allow success to develop and flourish.
pave the way for success
Highlights the preparatory actions that make future success possible, suggesting the removal of obstacles.
lay the foundation for success
Focuses on the initial steps and groundwork needed to support future success, emphasizing a strong base.
set the stage for success
Implies creating an environment or situation that is conducive to a positive outcome.
cultivate success
Suggests nurturing and developing success through sustained effort and attention.
FAQs
How can I use "establish success" in a sentence?
You can use "establish success" when discussing the process of creating or achieving success in a particular project, business, or endeavor. For example: "To ensure the project's longevity, we must establish success through careful planning and execution."
What are some alternatives to "establish success"?
Some alternatives to "establish success" include "achieve success", "create success", or "ensure success", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "establish success" or "achieve success"?
Both "establish success" and "achieve success" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Establish success" focuses on the initial creation or setting up of conditions for success, while "achieve success" highlights the accomplishment or attainment of that success.
What does it mean to "establish success metrics"?
To "establish success metrics" means to define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) criteria that will be used to determine whether a project, business, or endeavor has been successful. These metrics help to track progress and ensure that everyone is aligned on what constitutes success.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
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
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested