some success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain level of achievement or positive outcome has been reached, but not necessarily a complete or overwhelming success. Example: "The project faced many challenges, but we achieved some success in meeting our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has had some success.

The Economist

But he had some success.

The Economist

The Americans claim some success.

The Economist

They have had some success.

The New York Times

There has been some success.

The New York Times

He is having some success.

The New York Times

There was some success afterward.

The New York Times

We've had some success.

Cornell University

With some success, too.

The Guardian - Sport

He had some success.

The New York Times

"That's some success".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "some success", follow up with specific details about what aspects were successful and what challenges remain. This provides a more nuanced and informative picture to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "some success" when the results are actually quite significant or groundbreaking. In such cases, opting for stronger terms like "considerable success" or "remarkable achievement" would be more appropriate and avoid understatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some success" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or follows a preposition, indicating a degree of accomplishment or positive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. For example, "They have had some success" or "There has been some success."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some success" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a degree of positive outcome or achievement. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in news articles and academic contexts, serving to acknowledge progress without overstating results. While "some success" is versatile, alternative expressions like "partial success" or "moderate success" may offer greater precision depending on the context. When writing, ensure that the level of success reflected by the phrase accurately represents the situation to maintain credibility and avoid over- or understatements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partial success

Indicates a success that is incomplete or limited in scope.

moderate success

Suggests a level of success that is neither spectacular nor negligible, but somewhere in between.

limited success

Emphasizes the constrained or restricted nature of the success achieved.

a degree of success

Highlights that there was a certain level of positive achievement.

qualified success

Implies that the success is not absolute and may be accompanied by certain conditions or reservations.

relative success

Suggests that success is measured in comparison to something else.

minor triumph

Indicates a small but noteworthy victory.

modest achievement

Highlights that the accomplishment was not grand but still worthy of recognition.

reasonable accomplishment

Suggests that the accomplishment was adequate and satisfactory.

certain headway

Indicates progress or advancement, although not necessarily a complete victory.

FAQs

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

You can use "some success" to acknowledge progress or positive outcomes that are not complete or overwhelming. For example: "The project faced several hurdles, but we achieved "some success" in meeting our deadlines".

What are some alternatives to "some success"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "some success" include "partial success", "moderate success", or "limited success". These options can help to refine the nuance of your statement.

Is it appropriate to use "some success" in formal writing?

Yes, "some success" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you need to acknowledge partial achievements. It conveys a professional and balanced assessment without exaggerating the outcome.

What is the difference between "some success" and "complete success"?

"Some success" indicates a partial or limited achievement, while "complete success" implies that all goals were fully realized. The choice between the two depends on the accuracy of your assessment of the results. For example, if project milestones were met, but there were challenges, you can say "some success".