were successful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'were successful' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something was successful. For example, "After months of hard work, the students were successful in creating a new model rocket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were successful.

The New York Times

Few were successful.

The New York Times

The films were successful.

The New York Times - Arts

Several were successful.

The New York Times

His efforts were successful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Three were successful".

The New York Times

All their buys were successful".

Independent

There were successful attempts, too.

The Guardian

Once again they were successful.

The New York Times - Books

Evidently, her efforts were successful.

The New Yorker

In this, they were successful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were successful", ensure the subject clearly identifies what or who achieved success. For example: "The team were successful in launching the new product".

Common error

Avoid using "were successful" with singular subjects. The correct form for a singular subject is "was successful".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were successful" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of the subject. It indicates that the entities referenced by the subject have achieved a desired outcome or met a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were successful" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the achievement of a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in various contexts. It's commonly found in news reports, scientific publications, and general writing, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure subject-verb agreement (plural subject). Alternative phrases like "achieved success" or "proved effective" can provide variety in writing. Be mindful of potential errors like misusing it with singular subjects. By understanding its usage and context, writers can effectively convey success and achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieved success

Focuses more directly on the accomplishment of success rather than a state of being successful.

succeeded in their endeavors

Focuses on achieving success in particular attempts or undertakings.

proved effective

Highlights the effectiveness or efficacy of an action or method.

attained the goal

Emphasizes reaching a specific target or objective.

accomplished their purpose

Highlights the fulfillment of an intended aim or objective.

yielded positive results

Focuses on the generation of favorable outcomes.

turned out well

Emphasizes a favorable conclusion or outcome after a process.

came to fruition

Highlights the realization or fulfillment of something planned or developed.

were fruitful

Emphasizes the production of beneficial outcomes.

triumphed

Implies overcoming challenges or obstacles to achieve success.

FAQs

How can I use "were successful" in a sentence?

Use "were successful" to indicate that a group or multiple entities achieved a desired outcome. For example, "The experiments "proved to be successful"".

What are some alternatives to saying "were successful"?

You can use alternatives like "achieved success", "proved effective", or "attained the goal" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was successful" instead of "were successful"?

Yes, "was successful" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "were successful" is used for plural subjects. Ensure subject-verb agreement.

In what contexts is "were successful" commonly used?

"Were successful" is frequently used in news, scientific reports, and historical accounts to describe achievements, outcomes, and accomplishments.