smashing success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smashing success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event, project, or endeavor that has achieved great success or exceeded expectations. Example: "The charity event was a smashing success, raising more funds than we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a smashing success.

Columbia University

Cal Day 2007 was another smashing success.

University of California, Berkeley

His innovative approach was a smashing success.

Harvard Business Review

The play was a smashing success.

The New York Times

This is far from a smashing success.

MIT Technology Review

By that measure, the program has been a smashing success.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By any metric, www.ucmp.berkeley.edu is a smashing success.

University of California, Berkeley

All in all, the whole thing was a smashing success.

The Guardian - Music

So, the citizenship classes were a smashing success then!

The Guardian

It's been a smashing success as far as integrations go.

The Guardian - Tech

The strategy was a smashing success for Democrats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smashing success" to describe events or projects that have exceeded expectations and achieved a high level of positive results. It's particularly effective when highlighting a surprising or unexpected achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "smashing success" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable in many contexts, it can sound slightly informal. Instead, opt for alternatives like "resounding success" or "significant achievement" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smashing success" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a complement to a verb like was or has been. It describes a state of being or an outcome, indicating a high degree of achievement or accomplishment. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smashing success" is a commonly used phrase to describe something that has been exceptionally successful. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a range of contexts, although it may be considered slightly informal for academic or highly professional writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, but it is also present in academic and formal business contexts. When a more formal tone is desired, alternatives such as "resounding success" or "significant achievement" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resounding success

Emphasizes the clear and unmistakable nature of the success.

tremendous success

Highlights the magnitude and scale of the success.

overwhelming success

Focuses on the impactful and significant nature of the success.

remarkable success

Stresses the unusual or noteworthy aspect of the achievement.

huge hit

An informal alternative that emphasizes popularity and impact.

major triumph

Highlights the victory or achievement over challenges.

great accomplishment

Focuses on the achievement and effort involved in the success.

significant achievement

Emphasizes the importance and lasting impact of the success.

clear victory

Highlights the undisputed and decisive nature of the success.

breakthrough success

Emphasizes the innovative or pioneering aspect of the achievement.

FAQs

What does "smashing success" mean?

The phrase "smashing success" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that has been extremely successful or has achieved a great outcome.

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

You can use "smashing success" to describe events, projects, or ventures that have been highly successful. For example, "The fundraising gala was a smashing success, raising over $1 million for the charity."

What are some alternatives to "smashing success"?

You can use alternatives like "resounding success", "tremendous success", or "significant achievement" depending on the context.

Is "smashing success" formal or informal?

"Smashing success" is generally considered to be somewhat informal. While widely understood and acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or highly professional settings.