was a complete success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was a complete success" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event, project, or endeavor that achieved all its intended goals or outcomes. Example: "The charity event was a complete success, raising more funds than we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was a complete success.

The New York Times - Sports

The exercise was a complete success.

Independent

He said it was a complete success.

The New York Times - Magazine

In this regard, his visit was a complete success.

The New York Times

Her disguise was a complete success for nearly a year.

Britannica

This first of the Grignard reagents was a complete success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Biosatellite 2 (launched Sept. 7, 1967) was a complete success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The surgery was a complete success, Dr. Bederson said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The statement added, "It is now clear that the operations have been a complete success".

The New York Times

In a joint news conference, Ms. Wu said the talks "proved to be a complete success".

The New York Times

"We hope the U.S. mission will be a complete success in the days to come".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was a complete success", ensure the context clearly defines what specific goals or metrics constitute the success. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was a complete success" when only partial or limited success was achieved. Ensure the outcome genuinely aligns with a full realization of intended goals to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was a complete success" functions as a subject complement, describing a state or condition of a subject. Ludwig's examples indicate that it's frequently used to denote that an event, project, or action achieved all its intended goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was a complete success" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the full attainment of intended goals. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. To enhance writing, ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes success and avoid overstating outcomes. Consider synonyms like "was entirely successful" or "was a resounding triumph" to add nuance and sophistication depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was entirely successful

Uses "entirely" to emphasize the completeness of the success.

was a resounding triumph

Replaces "success" with "triumph" to suggest a more significant victory.

achieved total success

Focuses on the act of achieving a successful outcome.

proved to be a total success

Emphasizes the process of something becoming a success over time.

was a smashing hit

Uses a more informal term, "smashing hit", to convey great success.

went off without a hitch

Focuses on the flawless execution of the event or plan.

was an unqualified success

Emphasizes that the success was not limited or conditional in any way.

met with complete success

Highlights the encounter or reception of complete success.

was a guaranteed success

Underscores the certainty and predictability of the successful outcome.

fulfilled all objectives

Highlights the achievement of specific goals as a measure of success.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was a complete success"?

Alternatives include "was entirely successful", "was a resounding triumph", or "achieved total success" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "was a complete success" in formal writing?

Yes, "was a complete success" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "was an unqualified success" for added impact.

What's the difference between "was a complete success" and "was a partial success"?

"Was a complete success" indicates that all goals were achieved, while "was a partial success" implies that only some goals were met, or that the success was limited in scope. It's best not to use the former when the latter is the case.

Can I use "was a complete success" to describe a person's achievement?

Yes, although it's more common to use it for events, projects, or operations. For people, consider phrases like "achieved great success" or "was highly successful" for a more natural phrasing.