substantial success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or considerable level of achievement in various contexts, such as business, personal goals, or projects. Example: "The company achieved substantial success in expanding its market share over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A big Hollywood movie, even a substantial success, can substantially burn out in less than a month.

The New York Times

In sum, Congress in the PSLRA decided to impose sanctions only for culpable behavior (and only for a "substantial failure"), whereas sanctions are automatic under a "loser pays" rule (even when the plaintiff is marginally successful under the popular "substantial success" variation on the "loser pays" formula).

Columbia University

Modification of behavior using optogenetics has had substantial success in rodents but has not been as successful in monkeys.

Neuron

He pronounced it a "substantial success".

The Guardian

At Microsoft and Google, many such markets have been tried, with substantial success.

The Guardian - Opinion

Spectre was also a substantial success, although some critics said it seemed a bit tired.

The Guardian

It was not an overwhelming victory, but it was a substantial success.

Harvard University

No substantial success was achieved until the mid-1980s when fluridone (sonar) was used.

Columbia University

Even though this strategy continues to be a work in progress, it has yielded substantial success.

Columbia University

Indeed, substantial success has been achieved and various classes of new polymer electrolytes have been disclosed in the recent years.

Electrochimica Acta

The new environment is a marked change from recent years, when many hospitals had substantial success in fund-raising.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial success" to highlight significant achievements or outcomes in business reports, academic papers, and news articles to add weight and credibility to your statements.

Common error

Avoid pairing "substantial success" with redundant intensifiers like "very" or "highly". "Substantial" already implies a significant degree of success, so adding further emphasis can make the writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial success" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "success". It indicates a significant or considerable degree of achievement. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing accomplishments across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

33%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial success" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant achievement. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating a broad applicability across various contexts. While alternatives like "significant achievement" or "considerable accomplishment" exist, "substantial success" effectively conveys a noteworthy positive outcome. To enhance writing, avoid redundant intensifiers and focus on clear, impactful language. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for both general and professional communication, making it a versatile choice for expressing significant accomplishments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significant achievement

Focuses on the achievement itself rather than the degree of success.

Considerable accomplishment

Emphasizes the effort and skill involved in achieving the success.

Marked triumph

Highlights the celebratory aspect of overcoming challenges.

Notable feat

Focuses on the impressiveness and skill needed for the success.

Major breakthrough

Suggests a sudden and significant advance.

Remarkable progress

Highlights forward movement and improvement towards a goal.

Meaningful impact

Stresses the importance and effect of the success.

Great strides

Indicates significant advancements made.

Resounding victory

Emphasizes the decisiveness and completeness of the success.

Tangible result

Focuses on the concrete and measurable outcomes of the success.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial success" to describe a significant achievement in various contexts. For example: "The project achieved "substantial success" due to the team's dedication" or "The company reported "substantial success" in its new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "substantial success"?

Alternatives include "significant achievement", "considerable accomplishment", or "notable feat". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a substantial success" or simply "substantial success"?

Both are correct, but "a substantial success" is generally used when referring to a specific instance of success, while "substantial success" (without the article) is used in a more general or abstract sense. For example, "The product launch was a "substantial success"", versus "The company is known for its "substantial success" in international markets".

What's the difference between "substantial success" and "critical success"?

"Substantial success" refers to a significant level of achievement, often measured by tangible results or widespread impact. "Critical success", on the other hand, refers to positive reviews and acclaim from critics. A project can achieve "substantial success" (e.g., high sales) without being a "critical success" (e.g., receiving positive reviews), and vice versa.