was very successful

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'was very successful' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something achieved a desirable result. For example, "The new marketing campaign was very successful and increased profits by 15%."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was very successful.

The New York Times

The bank was very successful.

The New Yorker

He was very successful at it.

The New York Times - Sports

Keating went solo and was very successful.

Independent

"It was very successful," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

And Evans was very successful.

The Guardian

And it was very successful," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

"Japan was very successful," Tew said.

The Guardian - Sport

The ice bucket challenge was very successful.

The Guardian

It was very successful, very provocative.

The New York Times

It was very successful, but not verified.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was very successful", ensure the context clearly indicates what specifically achieved the success. For example, 'The marketing campaign was very successful, leading to a significant increase in sales.'

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "very" to intensify adjectives. Consider using stronger, more specific adjectives to convey the degree of success. For instance, instead of "was very successful", try "was triumphant", "was outstanding" or "was remarkable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was very successful" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of having achieved a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as showcased in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was very successful" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has achieved a positive outcome. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, consider more specific adjectives or sophisticated alternatives for enhanced impact in formal writing. The key is to ensure the context clearly identifies what achieved the success, avoiding overuse of "very" when stronger language can add more depth and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieved great success

This alternative focuses on the achievement itself, highlighting the level of success obtained.

proved highly effective

This alternative emphasizes the effectiveness of something, rather than its overall success.

yielded positive results

This alternative focuses on the results or outcomes that were produced.

performed exceptionally well

This alternative highlights the high level of performance that led to success.

turned out favorably

This suggests a positive outcome after a period of uncertainty or risk.

was a resounding triumph

This emphasizes the decisiveness and completeness of the success.

exceeded all expectations

This suggests that the outcome was better than anticipated.

realized significant gains

This alternative focuses on the benefits or advantages that were achieved.

flourished exceedingly

This evokes a sense of vigorous growth and prosperity.

was a major hit

This alternative is more informal and suggests widespread popularity or acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "was very successful" in a sentence?

Use "was very successful" to describe something that achieved a positive outcome or desired result. For example, "The project "was very successful" in meeting its goals."

What are some alternatives to "was very successful"?

Alternatives include "achieved great success", "proved highly effective", or "yielded positive results". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was successful" or "was very successful"?

While both are grammatically correct, "was successful" is often sufficient. Using "very" can sometimes be redundant. Consider whether the "very" adds meaningful emphasis or if a stronger adjective would be more effective.

Can "was very successful" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "was very successful" is generally appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, you might consider using a more sophisticated alternative, such as "achieved remarkable results".