established a legacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "established a legacy" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or accomplishment that will continue to influence the future. For example: She established a legacy of philanthropy that will benefit the community for years to come.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Ralph's dedication to evidence, the environment, public policy and inclusive excellence established a legacy that will last for many generations.

Nature

Kyle Petty has won eight races and nearly $14 million in his career, but, as he said, his forebears established a legacy.

The New York Times - Sports

Here, we describe how one institution established a legacy program for patients during their chronic disease treatment and how their journeys were symbolized with the distribution of beads.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing

Okongwu, who is headed to USC, established a legacy that will be long remembered in his community.

Los Angeles Times

"They have paved the path for others, left their mark on our community and established a legacy for generations to come," Earl said.

Los Angeles Times

If Garcia was fighting 30 years ago, he could have established a legacy by taking on fellow lightweights Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernell Whitaker, Jose Luis Ramirez, Greg Haugen and Edwin Rosario.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Now he is trying to establish a legacy.

The New York Times - Sports

Establishing a legacy for a big donor is often an important element of any major gift.

The New York Times - Arts

He didn't have to take the Mets job to establish a legacy or to support his family.

The New York Times - Sports

Damilola's father, Richard, says he now wants to move forward and establish a legacy worthy of his son.

Independent

If there was ever a moment for Barack Obama to take a stand and establish a legacy, this is it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "established a legacy", ensure the context clearly indicates the lasting impact or enduring contribution made. Provide specific examples to strengthen the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "established a legacy" when the impact is minimal or short-lived. Reserve this phrase for situations where the effects are demonstrably long-lasting and significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "established a legacy" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for describing lasting accomplishments. It signifies the act of creating something that endures and influences future generations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "established a legacy" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the creation of a lasting impact or enduring contribution. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability in written English. Although relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, science, and academic contexts. When employing "established a legacy", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the long-term significance of the actions being described, and avoid overstating the impact when it is minimal or short-lived.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

created a lasting impact

Focuses on the impact made rather than the formal concept of a legacy.

left a lasting imprint

Emphasizes the mark or impression left behind.

built a tradition

Highlights the creation of customs and practices that are passed down.

founded an enduring institution

Specifies the creation of a lasting organization or establishment.

made a significant contribution

Focuses on the act of contributing something important.

cemented a reputation

Emphasizes solidifying a particular image or standing.

laid the foundation

Highlights the initial work done to enable future success.

forged a path

Emphasizes creating a new direction or opportunity for others.

set a precedent

Focuses on establishing a standard for future actions.

left a heritage

Highlights the handing down of traditions, values, or property.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "established a legacy"?

Saying someone "established a legacy" means they created something that will continue to be important or influential even after they are gone. It suggests a lasting positive impact.

How can I use "established a legacy" in a sentence?

You might say, "Her work in environmental conservation "established a legacy" of sustainable practices." The key is to show how something continues to have an effect.

What's a good alternative to "established a legacy"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "created a lasting impact", "left a lasting imprint", or "built a tradition".

Is it better to say someone "established a legacy" or "left a legacy"?

Both are correct, but "established a legacy" implies a more active role in creating that legacy, whereas "left a legacy" can be more passive, simply referring to what remains after someone is gone.