past success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "past success" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a success that happened in the past, such as a successful business deal or a sporting victory. For example: "The company's past success enabled it to make new investments in new technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Generational studies have been pivotal to MTV's past success.

The New York Times

Not that past success reliably predicts future performance.

The New Yorker

Pfizer's task is complicated by its past success.

The New York Times

"That don't help," Thome said later, referring to his past success.

The New York Times

His past success meant, ironically, that he lacked the experience to arrest a slide.

Independent

Asked what advice she would give Ms. Guerra, Ms. Davis suggested a repeat of past success.

The New York Times

Despite his past success with women, the Lib Dem leader seems to have lost his touch.

Independent

Google's algorithms have shown that while location matters, for instance, past success is much more important.

The New York Times

One possibility is that environmentalists have been misled by their past success.

The Economist

But it has also become a victim of its own past success in promoting European integration.

The Economist

Despite past success, the ultimate legacy for Wayne and Lisa Tinkle may be their three children.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "past success" to build credibility when introducing new ideas or ventures, but always provide updated evidence to support ongoing viability.

Common error

Avoid using "past success" as the only reason for supporting a present strategy. Highlight current data and explain how previous achievements inform future approaches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past success" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to achievements or favorable outcomes that have occurred at some earlier time. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is valid and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "past success" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that references prior achievements. According to Ludwig, it is frequently employed across various fields, especially in news and media, science, and business contexts. While leveraging "past success" can be beneficial, it's crucial to avoid over-reliance and ensure current strategies are also well-supported. Alternatives like "previous achievements" or "track record" offer nuanced ways to convey similar ideas. Ultimately, understanding its usage patterns and avoiding common pitfalls will improve clarity and accuracy when referring to achievements from the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous achievements

Focuses on specific accomplishments rather than a general state of success.

prior accomplishments

Similar to "previous achievements" but may imply a greater level of significance.

track record

Emphasizes a history of performance, often in a professional context.

history of success

Highlights the duration and consistency of successful outcomes.

proven success

Indicates that the success has been verified or demonstrated.

earlier triumphs

Suggests significant and celebrated victories in the past.

former successes

Simple substitution, emphasizing that the successes are in the past.

legacy of success

Highlights the enduring impact and influence of past successes.

historical accomplishments

Similar to "previous achievements" but with more neutral tone.

established record

Implies a well-documented and recognized history of positive outcomes.

FAQs

How can "past success" be used in a sentence?

"Past success" can be used to indicate prior positive outcomes. For example, "The company's "past success" allowed it to invest in new technologies".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "past success"?

Alternatives include "previous achievements", "prior accomplishments", or "track record", depending on the specific context.

Is it accurate to assume "past success" guarantees future results?

No, it's generally inaccurate. While "past success" can be a positive indicator, it doesn't guarantee future outcomes due to changing circumstances and new challenges.

How does "past success" influence investor confidence?

"Past success" can significantly boost investor confidence by demonstrating a history of profitability. However, investors should also consider current market conditions and future growth prospects.