proper success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proper success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a success that is appropriate, suitable, or fitting in a given context. Example: "After months of hard work, the team finally achieved proper success in their project, meeting all the objectives set forth at the beginning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I feel it's great where we are now but I still don't feel like it's a proper success.

The Guardian

Somehow he landed a big record deal, and some seriously famous fans – David Bowie, Moe Tucker, Joey Santiago – but proper success eluded him, and drugs and depression laid him low.

The Guardian - Music

Retaining a level of freshness and zest represented a colossal challenge and, despite the near-misses in domestic cup competitions and the Fifa Club World Cup, he can now point to a significant trophy and Champions League qualification as evidence of proper success.

The Guardian - Sport

Victoria isn't a well-known TV face (she's hosted a Channel 4 sports programme and has her own interview show. It's on the BBC News Channel, though, so hardly any one watches), but she's been a proper success at 5 Live.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We have been through a lot together and all my proper success has been with Renault.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Still, it's reassuring, I guess, that such a critically adored band have made the transition to proper mainstream success.

The Guardian - Music

The story of a super-cute kid who dies a lachrymose death was a proper international success, and marked the breakthrough role for Fernando Rey, one of Spain's most significant cinematic properties in the 50s and 60s.

The Guardian - Film

"The box office is the proper thermometer of success," he remarked.

The New Yorker

Is that failure, or a proper measure of success for challenging, innovative music?

The New York Times - Arts

"And after a time you may recognize that the proper measure of success is not how much you've closed the distance to some far-off goal but the quality of what you've done today".

The New York Times

It found the middle-ground between the credibility of underground dance music and chart success proper and, despite its credentials, there was no ego, no point to be made with the song – it just was, as she says, "a tune".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proper success" when you want to emphasize that the success achieved is not just any success, but one that is appropriate, well-deserved, or meets specific criteria or expectations. For example, "After years of planning, the company finally achieved proper success with its new product launch."

Common error

Avoid using "proper success" too frequently in your writing, as it can sound redundant. Vary your language by using synonyms like "genuine success" or "true success" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proper success" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It combines the adjective "proper", which modifies or qualifies the noun "success", suggesting a specific kind or quality of success. This phrase is used to denote success that is appropriate or fitting within a given context as per Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "proper success" denotes a success that is appropriate, fitting, or meets specific standards. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable, though not exceedingly common, appearing mainly in news, science, and business contexts. Alternatives like "genuine success" or "true success" can provide variety. While the phrase is acceptable, avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine success

Emphasizes the authenticity and realness of the success.

true success

Highlights the verity and legitimacy of the success.

real success

Focuses on the tangible and concrete aspects of the success.

fitting success

Indicates that the success is appropriate and well-suited to the situation.

appropriate success

Stresses the suitability and correctness of the success in a given context.

deserved success

Suggests that the success was earned and justly obtained.

satisfactory success

Highlights that the success met the required expectations.

legitimate success

Indicates that the success is lawful and above board.

ideal success

Presents the success as being the best possible outcome.

adequate success

Implies that the success is sufficient and meets the basic requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "proper success" in a sentence?

You can use "proper success" to describe an achievement that meets specific criteria or is considered appropriate and well-deserved. For example, "The project achieved "genuine success" thanks to the team's hard work and dedication."

What are some alternatives to "proper success"?

Alternatives include "genuine success", "true success", "real success", or "fitting success", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "proper success" redundant?

While "proper" can sometimes be implied, using "proper success" emphasizes that the success is not just any outcome, but one that is appropriate or meets a specific standard. It's not inherently redundant, but consider if a simpler term like "true success" might suffice.

What is the difference between "proper success" and "adequate success"?

"Proper success" suggests a success that is appropriate, fitting, and possibly well-deserved. "Adequate success" ("adequate success") implies a success that is merely sufficient or meets the minimum requirements, without necessarily being exceptional or ideal.