pockets of success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pockets of success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe specific areas or instances where success has been achieved, often amidst a larger context of challenges or failures. Example: "Despite the overall downturn in the industry, there are still pockets of success among innovative startups that are thriving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The research also shows that there are pockets of success where there's greater economic mobility.

Harvard University

"And what's exciting is there are more pockets of success now".

The New York Times - Tech

The central bank expects foreign profits to fall for the year to March 2012.There are pockets of success.

The Economist

We can get fundamental change in this troubled field by opening our eyes to its pockets of success.

Harvard Business Review

Detroit's biggest risk is how its "pockets of success" worsen economic and racial divides between a newer, privileged urban core and Detroit's older, often disadvantaged neighborhoods.

The New York Times

The next chancellor will be taking on a system with a reputation for waste and mismanagement, where abjectly failing schools coexist with pockets of success and creativity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In such cases, an exceptionally talented manager will, on occasion, create a pocket of success.

Harvard Business Review

But buried amid the program's debris was an overlooked pocket of success: the companies, like Freshstart, that had been quietly lending to cabbies for years.

The New York Times

Gilmour said he was thrilled at the way his team are finishing the season but said that his board had to look at things over the course of the campaign, not just focus on one pleasing pocket of success.

BBC

This is not a simple North/South thing, because there are pockets of great success outside the South, just as there are pockets of deprivation within it.

Independent

In some places, it is due to the presence of pockets of economic success (New York City, San Francisco and Silicon Valley) that contain many high earners.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pockets of success", provide context to explain why these successes are notable or significant, especially if they contrast with overall trends or conditions.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "pockets of success". Ensure you accurately represent their scope and influence, acknowledging that they may not reflect broader, systemic improvements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pockets of success" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It describes specific instances or areas where positive outcomes or achievements are present, often within a broader context of challenges or less favorable conditions. Examples show it in academic, business, and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pockets of success" is a noun phrase used to denote specific instances of positive outcomes amidst broader challenges, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its function is to highlight these achievements, implicitly acknowledging the presence of less favorable conditions overall. The phrase is most commonly found in news, business, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, remember to contextualize these successes and avoid overgeneralizing their impact. Consider alternatives such as "isolated successes" or "islands of achievement" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

isolated successes

Emphasizes the separation of successful instances from a less successful overall environment.

islands of achievement

Uses a metaphorical 'island' to highlight specific areas of accomplishment.

spots of progress

Focuses on the advancement made in particular areas.

successful enclaves

Highlights successes within a defined and contained area.

localized triumphs

Points out victories that are specific to a certain location or context.

areas of excellence

Highlights specific locations where exceptional performance is noted.

segments of growth

Focuses on particular parts or sections where development is occurring.

instances of positive results

A more formal way to express specific cases where outcomes were favorable.

small wins

Refers to minor achievements within a larger, potentially unsuccessful context.

limited gains

Suggests that while there are successes, they are restricted in scope or magnitude.

FAQs

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

You can use "pockets of success" to describe specific instances or areas where positive outcomes occur, often amidst more general challenges. For example, "Despite the economic downturn, there are still "pockets of success" in the tech industry".

What's a good alternative to "pockets of success"?

Alternatives include "isolated successes", "islands of achievement", or "spots of progress", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "pockets of success" in formal writing?

Yes, "pockets of success" is suitable for formal writing, as it is widely used in news media, business reports, and academic papers. However, ensure the context clearly supports its use.

What does "pockets of success" imply about the overall situation?

The phrase "pockets of success" typically implies that while there are localized positive results, the overall situation may be facing challenges or is not uniformly successful. It suggests that successes are not widespread or indicative of a larger positive trend.