successful at

USAGE SUMMARY

"successful at" is correctly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone has achieved something with a certain degree of success. For example, "The athlete was successful at the last race, beating all his competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was not successful at it".

The New York Times

"They are very successful at home.

The New York Times

He was successful at embodying human unsuccess.

The Guardian - Film

She's been very successful at it".

The New York Times

He was very successful at it.

The New York Times - Sports

We weren't always successful at Bain.

The New York Times

I was pretty successful at it.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was successful at both.

The Guardian

We were successful at Coolidge.

The Washington Post

So far, so successful (at least outwardly).

The Guardian - Sport

"It's been very successful at that end".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "successful at", ensure that the specific area of success is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "He is successful", specify "He is successful at managing projects".

Common error

Avoid overgeneralizing success. Saying someone is "successful at life" is vague. Instead, be specific about which aspects of their life they excel in, such as "successful at building strong relationships" or "successful at achieving financial stability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "successful at" functions as a predicate adjective describing a subject's competence or achievement in a particular activity or field. Ludwig provides examples like "He was successful at embodying human unsuccess", showcasing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "successful at" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe competence and achievement in a specific area. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct in written English. It's vital to clearly define the scope of success and avoid overgeneralizations. While "successful in" can sometimes be used, "successful at" is typically preferred for specific activities. The provided examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage across diverse contexts, and the related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively use "successful at" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effective at

Focuses on producing a desired result.

skilled at

Directly indicates possessing the necessary skills for something.

adept at

Emphasizes natural ability and skill in performing a task.

competent in

Suggests having the required abilities and qualifications.

proficient in

Focuses on skill and expertise rather than overall success.

accomplished in

Highlights a high level of achievement and skill.

excelling in

Implies outstanding performance and achievement.

thriving in

Conveys a sense of growth and prosperity in a specific area.

flourishing in

Similar to 'thriving in', but with a stronger emphasis on vibrant success.

winning in

Highlights success through competition and outperforming others.

FAQs

How can I use "successful at" in a sentence?

Use "successful at" to describe someone's achievement in a specific activity or area. For example, "She was "successful at negotiating" the deal".

What are some alternatives to "successful at"?

You can use phrases like "proficient in", "adept at", or "skilled at depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "successful in" instead of "successful at"?

While "successful in" can be used, "successful at" is generally preferred when referring to specific activities or tasks. For broader areas, "successful in" might be more appropriate. For example, "successful in business".

What's the difference between "successful at" and "good at"?

"Successful at" implies achievement and positive outcomes, whereas "good at" simply indicates competence or skill without necessarily implying the same level of accomplishment. Someone can be "good at planning" but not "successful at executing".