make a success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a success" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage success about something, or to describe someone or something's success. Example: "She was determined to make a success of her business, and her hard work paid off".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can make a success of it".

Independent

We can make a success of it, we will make a success of it.

The Guardian

I chose to make a success of it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I got to make a success of myself".

The New Yorker

I doubt someone else could make a success of it".

Independent

Now it must make a success of its second.

The Economist

And we're going to make a success of it".

The Guardian

I just wanted to make a success of it.

The Guardian

Surely it would make a success of its new independence.

The Guardian - Opinion

And we are going to make a success of it.

The New York Times

So how do we make a success of an uprising?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a success" emphasize the effort and actions taken to achieve a positive outcome. This phrase is best suited when describing a process or journey towards success rather than a state of already being successful.

Common error

Avoid using "make a success" in passive constructions. The phrase is most effective when used actively to highlight the agency and effort involved in achieving success. For example, instead of saying "Success was made of the project", say "They made a success of the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a success" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of achieving a favorable outcome or positive result. As Ludwig AI highlights, it’s generally deemed grammatically correct and appears in diverse contexts. The phrase is focused on the action towards the success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a success" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of achieving a favorable outcome. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and versatile in diverse writing contexts, with usage spanning news, academic, and business domains. To enhance your writing, remember to use it actively and focus on the effort involved in achieving success. Consider related phrases like "achieve success" or "ensure success" for nuanced variations. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, affirming its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve success

Focuses on the accomplishment of success rather than the effort to create it.

ensure success

Emphasizes the actions taken to guarantee a positive outcome.

guarantee success

Highlights a promise or certainty of a favorable result.

achieve a breakthrough

Suggests overcoming a significant obstacle to reach a higher level of achievement.

flourish

Implies thriving and growing in a positive direction.

prosper

Focuses on achieving financial success and well-being.

triumph

Emphasizes a victory or overcoming a challenge.

do well

A more general term for performing satisfactorily or achieving a positive result.

turn out well

Indicates a positive conclusion or outcome after a period of uncertainty.

be a roaring success

Implies an exceptionally high level of success, often associated with public acclaim.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a success" to describe the act of achieving a positive outcome through effort and determination. For example: "She worked hard to "make a success" of her new business".

What are some alternatives to "make a success"?

Alternatives include "achieve success", "ensure success", or "guarantee success", each with slightly different nuances.

Which is correct: "make a success of" or "make success of"?

"Make a success of" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. The inclusion of the article "a" is essential for proper grammar. "Make success of" is grammatically incorrect.

Is "make a success" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "make a success" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. While it's a common phrase, its clarity and directness make it suitable for various writing styles.