to be successful

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be successful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a goal or aspiration. For example: "My goal is to be successful in my career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have to be successful.

Independent

He wants to be successful.

Independent

They want to be successful.

The New York Times

We need each other to be successful".

Independent

Do you consider yourself to be successful?

Independent

We want G.M. to be successful.

The New York Times

We want the U.A.W. to be successful.

The New York Times

Many proved to be successful, notably PayPal.

The New York Times

"I think Brooke wants to be successful.

Independent

But to be successful you take risks.

Independent

I want Prada to be successful.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be successful", ensure that the context clearly defines what success means in that specific situation. For example, "To be successful in this project, we need to meet all deadlines and stay within budget."

Common error

Avoid using "to be successful" without specifying the criteria for success. Without context, the phrase can be vague and lose its impact. Instead of saying "I want to be successful", specify "I want "to be successful in my career"" or "to be successful in this endeavor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be successful" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an adverbial of purpose. It explains the reason or aim behind an action, describing what someone hopes to achieve. Ludwig's examples showcase its prevalent use in expressing aspirations and goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be successful" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It acts as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an adverbial of purpose, that conveys the intention to achieve a positive result. The expression is prevalent across News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, with a neutral register making it suitable for many situations. To ensure effective communication, it's best to define what success specifically entails in the given context. Remember, while everyone strives for success, the path and definition can vary greatly. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing the adaptability of the phrase across diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to become a success

Focuses on the process of becoming successful over time.

to achieve success

Focuses more on the act of achieving rather than the state of being successful.

to realize one's ambitions

Highlights the fulfillment of personal goals as a form of success.

to attain prosperity

Emphasizes financial success and well-being as a result of achieving goals.

to reach the top

Suggests achieving the highest level in a particular field or endeavor.

to thrive

Implies not just success but also growth and flourishing.

to flourish

Similar to 'thrive', suggesting vigorous growth and development leading to success.

to make it

An informal way of saying to be successful, often implying overcoming obstacles.

to get ahead

Emphasizes progress and advancement in career or life.

to do well

A more general term for performing effectively and achieving a positive outcome.

FAQs

What does "to be successful" mean?

The meaning of "to be successful" depends on the context, but it generally refers to achieving a desired outcome, reaching a goal, or attaining a certain level of achievement in a particular area. It's important to define what "success means" in the specific situation you're discussing.

How can I use "to be successful" in a sentence?

You can use "to be successful" in a sentence to express a goal or requirement for achieving a positive outcome. For example, "To be successful in this role, you need strong communication skills" or "I want "to be successful in my studies"".

What are some alternative phrases to "to be successful"?

Some alternative phrases to "to be successful" include "to achieve success", "to thrive", "to flourish", or "to attain prosperity". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to define what success means when using "to be successful"?

While not always strictly necessary, defining what success means provides clarity and strengthens your message. Without a clear definition, the phrase can be interpreted differently by different people. Specifying the criteria for success makes your statement more impactful and actionable. What does "success look like" in this situation?