if success

USAGE SUMMARY

"if success" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used as an introductory clause to indicate a condition. For example, "If success is achieved, the project can be completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The prediction for a family is considered successful if success is reported for at least one combination of feature set and parameters.

BMC Genomics

What if success changes you?

The Guardian

I ask him if success changed him.

The Guardian - Music

If success came quickly, confidence did not.

The New York Times - Books

If success has many parents, failure is an orphan.

The Guardian - Music

Asked if success had changed Dominguez, Motion said: "No, not at all.

The New York Times - Sports

If success produces a thousand fathers, the JOBS Act will need a paternity test.

The New York Times

(Of course, we don't know if success makes them happy, or vice versa).

The New Yorker

If success was to come, it would have to be accomplished by other means.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If success obscured Lucas's gifts as a director, it also obscured his vulnerability as a human.

The New Yorker

If success is the best revenge, then both have nailed it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if success", clearly define what constitutes success within the specific context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "if success" without specifying measurable criteria for what success means in your context. Clearly define success to ensure your statement is meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if success" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a scenario where a positive outcome is achieved. As Ludwig AI highlights, it sets the stage for subsequent actions or consequences, contingent upon the fulfillment of the condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if success" serves as a conditional phrase, establishing a condition for a subsequent outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While its usage is common across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias, it's essential to clearly define what constitutes success within the specific context. Remember to specify measurable criteria for what success means, as the most common error involves a vague or undefined notion of success. By providing clear definitions and considering suitable alternatives like "in the event of success", writers can effectively use "if success" to express conditional scenarios and promote clarity in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the event of success

Replaces "if" with a more formal prepositional phrase, emphasizing the possibility of success.

assuming success occurs

Highlights the assumption that success is a prerequisite for further actions or consequences.

provided there is success

Emphasizes the condition of success as being essential or guaranteed for a subsequent outcome.

given a successful outcome

Focuses on the outcome being successful, changing the sentence's emphasis slightly.

should success be achieved

Uses a more formal tone to express the condition of achieving success.

on the condition of success

Introduces a more formal and emphatic requirement for success.

contingent on success

Highlights that further actions are dependent or reliant on success.

presuming a positive result

Uses a more general term for success, implying a favorable result.

once success is attained

Emphasizes the completion or achievement of success as a point in time.

in circumstances of success

Presents success as a specific set of circumstances that enable further action.

FAQs

How can I use "if success" in a sentence?

You can use "if success" to introduce a condition, such as "If success is achieved, the project can be completed ahead of schedule".

What are some alternatives to using "if success"?

Alternatives include "in the event of success", "assuming success occurs", or "provided there is success" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "in case of success" instead of "if success"?

"In case of success" and "if success" are similar, but "if success" is generally more direct. "In case of success" often implies preparation for a possible positive outcome.

What does it mean when someone says "if success has many fathers, failure is an orphan"?

This idiom means that many people will claim credit for a success, while no one will take responsibility for a failure. It’s a commentary on human nature and accountability.