make a success of

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a success of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a specific result achieved through hard work or determination; for example, "He worked hard to make a success of his business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Independent

The Guardian

The Economist

The New York Times

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

So, it's very important to make a success of those things".

The Economist

I want to get back into society and make a success of my life.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a success of", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being made successful. Be specific about the project, venture, or situation you are referring to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "make a success of" in overly broad or vague contexts. Without a clear object, the phrase can lack impact and leave the reader wondering what exactly is being made successful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a success of" functions as a verb phrase that signifies the act of ensuring a positive outcome or achieving success in a particular endeavor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the examples found in the search results show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

10%

Less common in

Social Media

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a success of" is a common and grammatically correct English phrase used to express the intention and effort put into achieving a positive outcome. As the Ludwig AI tool confirms, it is used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, formal, and business settings. While versatile, clarity is key; ensure the context clearly defines what's being made successful. Alternatives like "ensure the success of" or "guarantee the success of" can provide a more formal tone, while phrases like "triumph in" emphasize overcoming challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be successful in

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing the same idea.

achieve success in

Focuses on the achievement itself within a specific area, rather than the act of making something successful.

turn into a success

Focuses on the transformation of something into a successful entity.

triumph in

Implies overcoming significant obstacles to achieve success.

ensure the success of

Emphasizes the active role in guaranteeing a positive outcome.

flourish in

Suggests thriving and developing positively within a context.

guarantee the success of

Similar to 'ensure the success of' but with a stronger emphasis on certainty.

bring to fruition

Focuses on bringing something to a successful completion or realization.

excel in

Indicates surpassing others or exceeding expectations in a specific field.

prosper in

Emphasizes financial or material success within a given situation.

FAQs

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

Use "make a success of" to describe turning something into a successful endeavor. For example, "She aimed to "make a success of" her new business".

What's a more formal way to say "make a success of"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "ensure the success of" or "guarantee the success of". These options emphasize a proactive approach to achieving a positive outcome.

Can "make a success of" be used in all contexts?

While generally versatile, "make a success of" is best suited for situations where effort and initiative are key to achieving a positive outcome. In contexts where success is predetermined, it may not be the most appropriate choice.

What are some alternatives to "make a success of" that focus on overcoming challenges?

If you want to emphasize overcoming difficulties, consider using "triumph in" or "excel in", which both imply overcoming obstacles to achieve success.