make a success of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'make a success of something' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when someone has done something successfully, or when they have achieved a desired outcome. For example: "John worked hard to make a success of his new business venture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But newspapers were under more threat than magazines because they relied on classified advertising for revenue, something magazines had never been able to make a success of.

The Guardian

Though every so often there is something for us too; after all, women helped make a success of "Brokeback Mountain" a few years ago.

The New York Times

"Being involved in something like a beach clean-up helps them to develop the personal skills they need to make a success of their lives," she says.

The Guardian

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 doubt someone else could make a success of it".

Independent

I chose to make a success of it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I got to make a success of myself".

The New Yorker

Now it must make a success of its second.

The Economist

And, frankly, I haven't made such a success of something since masterminding It's A Royal Knockout, though naturally the media only ever point out any worthwhile project's most minor faults – in that case that it was probably the beginning of the end of the monarchy – and overplay the fact that I stormed out of a press conference wearing a sweatshirt reading, "No, I just look like him".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After making a success of Pangolin, Mr Kingdon and Ms Koenig decided to try to put something back into Uganda.A number of British artists have supported the venture.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make a success of something", ensure you clearly define what 'success' means in the given context. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "make a success of something" prematurely. Reserve it for situations where the positive outcome is evident and demonstrable, not just anticipated or hoped for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a success of something" functions as a verbal phrase. It expresses the action of achieving a desired outcome or positive result, implying effort and agency in turning something into a success.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Academia

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a success of something" is a versatile verbal phrase used to describe the act of achieving a favorable outcome through effort and determination. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, though the absence of exact examples suggests it might not be the most frequently used expression. Related phrases, like "achieve success with something" or "be successful in something", offer alternatives with slightly different nuances. While suitable for a range of contexts, it's important to clearly define what 'success' entails in each situation and avoid premature use of the phrase before demonstrable positive results are evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be successful in something

A more straightforward and common way of expressing the same sentiment.

achieve success with something

Emphasizes the attainment of success connected to a specific action.

bring something to fruition

Highlights the completion and successful realization of a project or plan.

make something work

Focuses on the functional aspect of ensuring something operates effectively, rather than explicitly highlighting success.

triumph in something

Highlights a significant victory or achievement, suggesting overcoming obstacles.

flourish in something

Implies growth and thriving within a particular context.

capitalize on something

Focuses on taking advantage of an opportunity to achieve a positive result.

prosper in something

Highlights financial or material gain, suggesting a successful outcome in terms of wealth or resources.

excel in something

Focuses on demonstrating exceptional skill or performance, indicating a high level of success.

become proficient in something

Emphasizes the development of competence and skill, rather than necessarily guaranteeing a successful outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a success of something" to describe turning a potentially challenging situation into a victory, as in "She managed to "make a success of her career" despite the initial setbacks".

What are some alternatives to "make a success of something"?

Alternatives include "achieve success with something", "make something work", or "be successful in something", each carrying subtle differences in emphasis.

Is it more formal to say "make a success of something" or "succeed in something"?

While both are acceptable, "succeed in something" is generally considered slightly more formal than "make a success of something", which can sound more conversational.

What does it mean to "make a success of something"?

It means to achieve a positive outcome or desired result, often through effort and determination, in a specific endeavor or situation. Essentially, turning something into a win, as in, "He decided to "make a success of the project"".