set up for success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set up for success" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about preparing someone for success, for example: "He worked hard to set himself up for success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's set up for success".

The New York Times - Sports

He is again set up for success.

The New York Times - Sports

Make sure their relationship is set up for success.

Harvard Business Review

Everything seems set up for success in digital journalism — money, eyeballs, software, brands.

The New Yorker

Everything seems set up for success in digital journalism money, eyeballs, software, brands.

The New Yorker

We must be responsible to make sure the company is set up for success whoever owns it".

The Guardian

While it is tempting to assign the status of the education system to underperforming teachers, the truth is that teachers are not set up for success.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In white neighborhoods, "you have everything that is set up for success," said Keishana Mahone, 41, who lives in Auburn Gresham.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

And because of that, we're far better set-up for success.

Harvard Business Review

Syphrett: What personal traits set founders up for success?

Forbes

Set tomorrow up for success before it even starts.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set up for success", ensure that the context clearly indicates what actions or preparations are being taken to facilitate the desired outcome. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your message.

Common error

Avoid implying that being "set up for success" guarantees a positive outcome. Instead, emphasize that it improves the likelihood of success by providing the necessary tools and conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set up for success" functions as a verb phrase complement, typically following a verb like "is", "are", "were", or "be". It describes a state of preparedness or advantage. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes preparing someone for success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set up for success" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes a state of preparedness and advantage, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verb phrase complement, indicating that someone or something has been prepared to increase the likelihood of achieving a desired outcome. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, business, and academia. While it doesn't guarantee success, it emphasizes proactive measures taken to facilitate accomplishment. Alternatives such as "position for success" or "prepare for triumph" offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis. When using the phrase, it's crucial to clarify the actions taken and avoid overstating the guarantee of a positive outcome. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Position for success

Focuses more on the act of positioning, implying a strategic placement.

Prepare for triumph

Emphasizes the preparation aspect with a more emphatic term for success.

Establish a foundation for achievement

Highlights building a strong foundation as a means to achieve goals.

Equip for victory

Focuses on providing the necessary tools and resources for a win.

Lay the groundwork for prosperity

Implies a gradual building process leading to a successful future.

Create conditions for a positive outcome

Emphasizes creating the right environment for a successful result.

Foster an environment conducive to achievement

Highlights nurturing the surroundings to encourage accomplishment.

Ensure favorable prospects

Focuses on guaranteeing a positive outlook and opportunities.

Facilitate a successful outcome

Stresses easing the path towards a positive result.

Pave the way for accomplishment

Suggests clearing obstacles and creating an easy path for success.

FAQs

How can I use "set up for success" in a sentence?

You can use "set up for success" to describe actions taken to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. For example, "The training program is designed to "position for success".".

What are some alternatives to "set up for success"?

Alternatives include "prepare for triumph", "establish a foundation for achievement", or "ensure favorable prospects", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "set up to succeed" or "set up for success"?

Both "set up to succeed" and "set up for success" are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Set up for success" emphasizes the preparations and conditions, while "set up to succeed" focuses on the intended outcome. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

What does it mean to be "set up for success"?

To be "set up for success" means that you have been given the necessary resources, training, or conditions to increase your chances of achieving a positive outcome or reaching a specific goal. It implies proactive measures have been taken to facilitate accomplishment.