once successful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once successful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing someone who has had a successful experience in the past, but may not currently be successful. For example, "After five years of hard work, he was once successful in his career, but he is no longer doing well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Once successful, the program waits for input from the guitar.

Cornell University

Lying ill in a hospital, an aging, once successful publisher has a vivid dream.

The New York Times - Books

Once successful, the company now faces the imminent prospect of bankruptcy.

Harvard Business Review

During the last years of the reign the Emperor's once successful foreign policy collapsed, leading to isolation and to the tragedy of the Crimean War.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He refocused the players on what made them once successful under Childress -- running the ball, stopping the run, and reducing turnovers and pre-snap penalties.

The New York Times

Such a strategy was once successful for brands like Chock Full o'Nuts, Martinson and Savarin, he added, but today "there isn't a brand identified" as the city's own.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

I have seen many once-successful companies go broke.

The New York Times

Counting out the once-successful is a losing game.

The New York Times - Arts

As a result, the once-successful Athletics now find themselves back struggling among their competitors.

Independent

But middle-level trainers with once-successful businesses are struggling badly, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

A once-successful session musician on the streets with nowhere to go.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "once successful" to provide historical context, especially when contrasting past achievements with current circumstances. This can add depth to your narrative and highlight the impact of change.

Common error

Avoid using "once successful" when the subject is still thriving. The phrase implies a decline or change in status, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once successful" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective describing a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies (e.g., a company, a person, a strategy) experienced success at some point in the past. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which provides various examples of the phrase in context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "once successful" serves as a pre-modifying adjective, providing historical context by contrasting a past state of success with a present one. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, the phrase maintains a neutral register and offers a practical way to highlight change or decline. Remember to use "once successful" accurately, ensuring the subject’s status has indeed shifted from its prior achievements. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously successful

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of prior success.

formerly thriving

Highlights the prosperous nature of the past state.

once flourishing

Suggests a vibrant and vigorous period of success.

used to be successful

A more conversational way to express past success.

in its heyday

Refers to the peak period of success.

at its peak

Focuses on the highest point of achievement.

in former times successful

More formal way to say successful in the past.

in the past successful

Highlights that the success has already passed.

in previous times successful

More formal way to say successful in the past.

bygone success

Highlights that the success has already passed.

FAQs

How can I use "once successful" in a sentence?

You can use "once successful" to describe a person, business, or strategy that achieved success in the past but no longer does. For example, "The company was "once successful", but now faces bankruptcy".

What are some alternatives to "once successful"?

Alternatives include "previously successful", "formerly thriving", or "used to be successful". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "once successful" in formal writing?

Yes, "once successful" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to indicate past success. However, be sure the context clearly indicates why something is no longer successful.

What's the difference between "once successful" and "still successful"?

"Once successful" implies that success has diminished or ended. "Still successful" indicates that success continues to the present. For example, a "still successful" company continues to thrive, while a company that was "once successful" may now be struggling.