they prevailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they prevailed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that a group or individuals were successful or victorious in a particular situation or task. Example: Despite facing numerous challenges, the team never gave up and ultimately prevailed in the end.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sometimes, they prevailed.

The New Yorker

And they prevailed.

The New York Times - Sports

They prevailed but narrowly.

The Washington Post

They prevailed in this election.

The New York Times

They prevailed over Sun Microsystems.

The New York Times - Tech

Eventually they prevailed on the company to introduce the change.

The New Yorker

His systems are important, nevertheless, because they prevailed commercially.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But some lower-level union officials disagreed, and they prevailed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Here's a look at how they prevailed--and what other communities of small businesses can learn.

Forbes

If their debut album is any indication, they prevailed.

Los Angeles Times

They prevailed, and have scrutinized the property ever since.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they prevailed" when you want to emphasize that a group or entity overcame challenges or opposition to achieve a positive outcome.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "they prevailed" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they won" or "they succeeded" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they prevailed" functions as an independent clause, typically serving as the main verb phrase in a sentence. It asserts that a group or entity achieved success, often after overcoming obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they prevailed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies success or victory, particularly after overcoming challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Predominantly found in News & Media, with considerable presence in Academia and Formal & Business contexts, it carries a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, writers should be mindful of its formality level and opt for simpler alternatives in casual settings. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey triumph and resilience. Remember, while alternatives like "they were victorious" or "they succeeded" exist, "they prevailed" distinctly emphasizes overcoming adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were victorious

Replaces "prevailed" with a more direct synonym, "victorious".

they succeeded

Uses the common verb "succeeded" to convey the same meaning of achieving a desired outcome.

they won out

Employs the phrasal verb "won out", suggesting overcoming opposition to achieve victory.

they triumphed

Offers a more emphatic and celebratory alternative to "prevailed".

they were successful

Expresses the concept of achieving a positive result in a more descriptive way.

they achieved their goal

Focuses on the attainment of a specific objective.

they came out on top

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of prevailing, suggesting they outperformed others.

they gained the upper hand

Highlights the act of gaining an advantage that led to their success.

they overcame the odds

Indicates that they succeeded despite facing significant challenges.

they were the winners

A simple and direct way to state their victory.

FAQs

How can I use "they prevailed" in a sentence?

You can use "they prevailed" to indicate that a group or individuals were successful or victorious in a particular situation, for example: "Despite facing numerous obstacles, "they prevailed" in the end".

What are some alternatives to "they prevailed"?

Some alternatives to "they prevailed" include "they were victorious", "they succeeded", or "they triumphed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "they prevailed" formal or informal?

"They prevailed" is generally considered more formal than simpler alternatives like "they won". It's suitable for formal writing and speech but may sound overly serious in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "they prevailed" and "they survived"?

"They prevailed" implies success and victory, often against opposition. "They survived", on the other hand, suggests enduring through a difficult situation without necessarily achieving a positive outcome. You would use "they prevailed" when they not only made it through but also achieved a desired result.