past achievement

USAGE SUMMARY

"past achievement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that was accomplished in the past. For example, "My past achievement of winning a national award in public speaking has given me the confidence to pursue a career in marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Past achievement is likely a good predictor of future success.

The Washington Post

In the final reckoning, Mr. Clinkscales said, passionate commitment outweighed past achievement.

The New York Times - Arts

Faculty in our department has an extraordinary record of past achievement that continues today.

Stanford University

But his friends did not immediately appreciate that Goethe might recognize a past achievement but still not think it a suitable ideal to inspire the contemporary artist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Today, the best-known prizes are those awarded not to stimulate innovation towards a specific goal, but for past achievement, like the Nobel Prize.

The New York Times

It wasn't pleasure at past achievement, but instead determination to understand why success had come about, so he could build on it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Others brag about past achievements.

Independent

"It's a country living on past achievements".

The New York Times

But he doesn't like to dwell on past achievements.

The Guardian

We honour the past achievements of the Royal Navy and RAF.

The Guardian

Retrospectives invite artists to reflect on their past achievements.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's potential, balance "past achievement" with an assessment of their current skills and future prospects. Don't solely rely on what they've done before; consider their adaptability and willingness to learn.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "past achievement" guarantees future success. The context, skills required, and competitive landscape may have changed, making previous accomplishments less relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past achievement" functions as a noun phrase, where 'past' modifies 'achievement'. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to something successfully accomplished in the past. Ludwig indicates its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "past achievement" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe something successfully accomplished in the past. Ludwig highlights its usage across various contexts, including academic, professional, and news reporting. While "past achievement" is a valuable indicator, it's essential not to over rely on it when assessing future potential. Considering current skills, adaptability, and the changing context is crucial. Related terms like "prior success" or "previous accomplishment" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous accomplishment

Replaces "achievement" with "accomplishment" emphasizing the successful completion of something.

prior success

Uses "success" instead of "achievement", highlighting a favorable outcome or result.

track record

Refers to a history of accomplishments, particularly in a professional context.

historical feat

Emphasizes the significance and impact of a past achievement, often on a larger scale.

earlier triumph

Replaces "achievement" with "triumph", suggesting a more significant and celebrated victory.

past exploit

Highlights a notable or heroic act from the past.

legacy of success

Focuses on the lasting impact and continued recognition of past accomplishments.

yesteryear's victory

Emphasizes that the victory is from the past.

bygone accomplishment

Uses "bygone" to stress that the achievement occurred long ago and may be less relevant now.

days of glory

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and emphasizes the peak moments of past success.

FAQs

How can I use "past achievement" in a sentence?

You can use "past achievement" to refer to something that someone has successfully accomplished in the past. For example, "Her "past achievement" in leading the project to success made her the obvious choice for the role".

What is a good synonym for "past achievement"?

Alternatives for "past achievement" include "previous accomplishment", "prior success", or "track record". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to solely judge someone's future potential based on "past achievement"?

While "past achievement" is a factor to consider, it should not be the only one. It's also important to assess skills, adaptability, and future potential. A strong "past achievement" does not guarantee future success if the context has changed.

What is the difference between "past achievement" and "past accomplishments"?

The terms "past achievement" and "past accomplishments" are largely interchangeable. "Accomplishments" tends to imply a collection of successful acts, while "achievement" can refer to a singular notable success. Both refer to successes from the past.