it was success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It was success" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as: "We put in a lot of hard work and finally, it was success."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And it was success, at least in relative terms.

The Economist

Or rather, it was success on limited numbers.

The Guardian - Sport

It was success that got him into trouble.

The Guardian - Music

But he won the FA Cup [in 1990] and then it was success all the way.

The Guardian - Sport

It was success only in the narrowest sense: A few years ago Grand Prize Chevrolet sold 180 to 190 each month, Mr. Sifford said.

The New York Times

Reese Witherspoon acknowledges that it was success in front of the camera that enabled her to move into producing.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's success".

The New York Times

It's success, not failure, that breeds success.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's success theater, and we've mastered it.

The New York Times

It's success however is by no means guaranteed.

The Guardian

And still it is success we dwell on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a successful outcome, use the grammatically correct phrase "it was a success" or rephrase the sentence to use an adjective like "successful."

Common error

Avoid omitting the article "a" before "success" when using it as a noun. Saying "it was success" is grammatically incorrect. Use "it was a success" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase primarily functions as a statement indicating a positive outcome or achievement. However, Ludwig AI points out that it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it was a success".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "it was success" appears in some contexts, it's crucial to note that it's grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it was a success". As Ludwig AI indicates, using the article "a" is essential for grammatical accuracy when referring to a past achievement or positive outcome. When aiming for clarity and correctness, especially in formal writing, always include the article or consider using alternative phrasings like "it proved successful".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a success

Adding "a" before "success" makes the phrase grammatically correct by using a noun phrase.

it proved successful

This alternative replaces the noun "success" with the adjective "successful", modifying "proved".

it was effective

Highlights the efficiency and effectiveness of the approach.

it had a positive outcome

Focuses on the result being favorable or beneficial.

it turned out well

This offers a more general expression of a positive outcome.

it worked out

This is a casual way of saying something was resolved successfully.

it achieved its goal

Focuses on the attainment of a specific objective.

it was fruitful

Suggests that the effort resulted in positive outcomes or rewards.

it bore fruit

Implies the endeavor yielded positive results, often after a period of time.

it was victorious

Emphasizes triumph and victory over challenges.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say something had a good result?

Instead of "it was success", the proper phrasing is "it was a success". You can also say "it was successful" or "it worked out well".

How can I use the word 'success' properly in a sentence?

Ensure you use the correct grammatical structure. For instance, say "the project was a success" or "the project was successful".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "it was a success"?

Consider alternatives like "it proved successful", "it turned out well", or "it achieved its goal", depending on the context.

Is "it was success" ever correct?

No, "it was success" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "it was a success". You need the article "a" before the noun "success".