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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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if successful

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if successful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of something happening if certain criteria are met. For example, "We will open a new branch if the project is successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If successful, expansion seems inevitable.

News & Media

The Guardian

If successful, the runner receives $1 million.

News & Media

The New York Times

If successful, you'll be in good company.

News & Media

The Guardian

If successful, Fordham would upset St. John's.

// Returns 1 if successful, 0 if failed.

If successful, you're good to go!

If successful, pac is marked as verified.

Returns true if successful, false on failure.

Returns true if successful, false otherwise.

If successful, this intervention could quickly translate into clinical practice.

If successful, it will spread around the world.

News & Media

The New York Times
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if successful", ensure the sentence clearly states what will happen as a result of the success. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "if successful" without clearly specifying the subsequent action or result. Vague statements can leave the reader wondering what the success is supposed to lead to.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if successful" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, modifying the main clause by setting a condition for the outcome described. It indicates that the realization of the main clause is dependent on the success of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable presence in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if successful" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, setting a clear contingency for a stated outcome. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. To ensure clarity, always specify what depends on this success, and consider alternatives like "assuming it succeeds" or "contingent on its success" for nuanced expression. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a broad range of writing styles.

FAQs

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

Use "if successful" to introduce a condition that, when met, leads to a specific outcome. For instance, "If successful, the project will expand into new markets."

What are some alternatives to saying "if successful"?

You can use alternatives such as "assuming it succeeds", "provided it works", or "contingent on its success" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "if successful" or "if it is successful"?

"If successful" is a more concise and commonly used form. "If it is successful" is grammatically correct but can sound slightly more verbose in certain contexts.

Can "if successful" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "if successful" is appropriate for formal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "in the event of success" for added emphasis.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: