mark of success

USAGE SUMMARY

"mark of success" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something or someone that has achieved a significant level of success. For example, "The young entrepreneur's successful IPO is a mark of success for her and her team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"That was the mark of success.

The New York Times

What was that, if not a mark of success?

The Guardian - Books

In China, he notes, a Washlet is an aspirational item, a mark of success.

The Economist

If that happened, he added, he would consider it a mark of success.

The New York Times

Asking your shareholder for a large handout is not usually seen as a mark of success.

The Guardian - Business

Failure to adapt to changing social attitudes is not a mark of success.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

When "Mission Accomplished" turned sour in Iraq, when various supposed bench marks of success did not stop the bloodshed, the president remained utterly confident of victory.

The New York Times - Books

The Carvedilol Hibernation Reversible Ischemia Trial: Marker of Success study is investigating the effects of carvedilol in a large cohort of patients with and without hibernating myocardium.

Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases

"It's not just the adversity itself, it's what you do with the adversity -- how you grow and become a bigger person and a more resilient person… and a more compassionate person as a result of the things that happen to you -- those are, in my view, marks of success".

Huffington Post

What is the mark of Web success in 2009?

The New Yorker

But that is not the only mark of political success.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience to ensure the phrase's formality level aligns with your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "mark of success" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler language might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "Getting a good grade was a mark of success", consider "Getting a good grade was a success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mark of success" functions as a noun phrase. It typically identifies something tangible or intangible that signifies or represents achievement. Ludwig AI shows various examples highlighting its use in different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mark of success" serves as a powerful indicator of accomplishment across diverse fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, especially in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, the phrase is best suited for neutral to slightly formal contexts. Related alternatives like "sign of accomplishment" or "evidence of triumph" can add nuance to your writing. When using "mark of success", consider its audience and maintain awareness of the appropriate level of formality, and avoid overuse in informal settings. Ultimately, the phrase succinctly conveys that something significant has been achieved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sign of accomplishment

Focuses on the accomplishment aspect, emphasizing the achievement itself.

indicator of achievement

Highlights that something serves as a sign or signal pointing towards achievement.

evidence of triumph

Emphasizes victory and overcoming challenges, making it a stronger expression.

symbol of victory

Highlights victory, suggesting a more figurative or representative achievement.

testament to achievement

Implies a lasting and significant achievement that serves as a strong example.

badge of honor

Suggests pride and recognition associated with the achievement.

credit to accomplishment

Focuses on giving credit or recognition to the achievement.

token of triumph

Implies a small or symbolic representation of a larger victory.

an emblem of success

More formal and emphasizes symbolic representation.

feather in one's cap

Idiomatic and implies a small but notable achievement.

FAQs

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

You can use "mark of success" to indicate that a particular achievement serves as a clear sign of overall success. For example, "The company's increased profits are a "mark of success" for their new marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "mark of success"?

Alternatives include "sign of accomplishment", "indicator of achievement", or "evidence of triumph", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "mark of success" formal or informal?

"Mark of success" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for business, news, and academic contexts but might sound a bit stiff in very casual conversation.

What does it mean when something is described as a "mark of success"?

It means that something is seen as a clear indication or sign that a goal has been achieved or that positive progress is being made. It's a way of highlighting something that demonstrates overall achievement.