successful or not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "successful or not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to talk about the potential outcome of an action or event. For example, "I'm going to give this project my best effort, successful or not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Are they successful or not?

The New York Times

"It's not about successful or not.

The Guardian - Music

Whether they'll be successful or not, only time will tell.

The Guardian - Sport

These treatments, whether successful or not, are life-altering.

The New York Times

That's what makes a place successful or not".

The New York Times

Successful or not, that campaign will fold after September 18th.

The Economist

Successful or not, all legacies of the computing era deserve recognition, Dr. Shustek said.

The New York Times - Tech

"Communities can affect whether a project is successful or not," concludes Franks.

The Guardian

In our answers, successful or not, we try to own and order the space around us.

The New York Times - Arts

Such efforts, successful or not, introduce a healthy pluralism into the stolid culture around Bruckner.

The New Yorker

Whether it was successful or not, they may like it better.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "successful or not" when you want to acknowledge both potential outcomes of a situation. This is useful in analytical or speculative contexts where the result is uncertain.

Common error

Don't assume that something "successful" is automatically positive. "Successful or not" should be followed by an assessment of the impact, whether beneficial or detrimental. For example, "The campaign was successful or not, but it significantly polarized public opinion."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "successful or not" functions as a qualifier or adjunct, adding a layer of uncertainty or acknowledgment of potential failure to a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, indicating its acceptance in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "successful or not" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge uncertainty and both potential outcomes of a situation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and is used across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. When using "successful or not", ensure that you're considering not just the outcome but also its subsequent impact. Alternatives like "effective or ineffective" and "fruitful or barren" can provide slightly different nuances. The phrase is common, and its correct usage will ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Effective or ineffective

Focuses on the degree to which something achieves the desired result, differing from a binary success/failure.

Fruitful or barren

Emphasizes the yield or results produced, suggesting productivity versus lack thereof.

Productive or unproductive

Highlights whether something generates output or achievements.

Viable or unviable

Addresses whether something is capable of working or surviving.

Beneficial or detrimental

Considers the positive or negative impact of something.

Profitable or loss-making

Specifically refers to financial gain or loss.

Triumphant or defeated

Highlights the outcome of a competition or struggle.

Accomplished or unaccomplished

Indicates whether something has been completed or achieved.

Realized or unrealized

Focuses on whether a goal or plan has come to fruition.

Working or non-working

Simple way of saying functional vs non-functional.

FAQs

How can I use "successful or not" in a sentence?

You can use "successful or not" to acknowledge the uncertainty of an outcome, such as, "We will proceed with the experiment, "successful or not", and analyze the data."

What are some alternatives to "successful or not"?

Consider alternatives like "effective or ineffective", "fruitful or barren", or "viable or unviable" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different perspective on the outcome.

Which is correct, "successful or not" or "whether successful"?

"Successful or not" directly acknowledges both possible outcomes. "Whether successful" often introduces a conditional clause. Both can be correct depending on the sentence structure.

What is the difference between "successful or not" and "attempted or not"?

"Successful or not" refers to the outcome of an action, while "attempted or not" refers to whether the action was even undertaken. They address different aspects of a process or event.