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
if successful
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Alternative expressions(20)
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
60 human-written examples
If successful, expansion seems inevitable.
News & Media
If successful, the runner receives $1 million.
News & Media
If successful, you'll be in good company.
News & Media
If successful, Fordham would upset St. John's.
News & Media
// Returns 1 if successful, 0 if failed.
Academia
If successful, you're good to go!
If successful, pac is marked as verified.
Returns true if successful, false on failure.
Academia
Returns true if successful, false otherwise.
Academia
If successful, this intervention could quickly translate into clinical practice.
Science
If successful, it will spread around the world.
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
in the event of success
Formal alternative, emphasizing a planned response to a successful outcome.
assuming it succeeds
Focuses on the assumption of success as a condition.
contingent on its success
Highlights the dependence of a future event on the achievement of success.
on the condition of its triumph
Emphasizes the victory aspect of success, suitable for competitive scenarios.
provided it works
Emphasizes the functionality of something as the condition for a positive outcome.
if it achieves its goal
Focuses specifically on the attainment of a defined objective.
if it prospers
Implies a longer-term flourishing or thriving, rather than just immediate success.
should it go well
Introduces a sense of hope or expectation for a positive outcome.
assuming a positive outcome
Broadens the scope to any positive result, not just 'success'.
given a favorable result
Similar to 'assuming a positive outcome', but slightly more formal.
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.
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
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested