What is successful? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "successful" effectively in English. It's a really common word, but it can be tricky to use precisely.

1. Basic Definition:

• Successful means achieving the desired result; having achieved success. It describes something or someone that has accomplished a goal or has done well.

2. How to Use It – Different Ways:

• Describing People: This is the most common use.

  • "She is a successful businesswoman." (She's achieved significant success in her career.)
  • "He was a successful athlete." (He had a good career and achieved great things in his sport.)
  • "They are a successful couple." (They have a happy and stable relationship.)
  • "My son is a successful student." (He’s doing well in his studies.)

• Describing Outcomes/Achievements:

  • "The project was a successful one." (The project achieved its goals.)
  • "The new policy proved to be a successful measure." (The policy worked well and led to positive results.)
  • "We had a successful fundraising event." (The event raised a lot of money.)

• Describing Qualities (Often with adjectives): You can often use "successful" to describe a positive quality.

  • "He has a successful personality." (He is likeable, confident, and generally well-received.)
  • "She’s a successful negotiator." (She is good at getting agreements.)

3. Using “Successful” with Adjectives:

You often combine “successful” with adjectives to give more detail:

• Highly successful: (Very successful – "He was a highly successful entrepreneur.")
• Exceptionally successful: (Beyond ordinary success – "The film was an exceptionally successful release.")
• Ultimately successful: (Successful in the end after facing challenges – "Despite the setbacks, the team was ultimately successful.")
• Surprisingly successful: (Success that is unexpected – “The small shop was surprisingly successful.”)

4. Phrases Using “Successful”:

• Successful outcome: A positive result.
• To be successful at something: To do well at it. (“He’s successful at playing the piano.”)
• Successful person: Someone who has achieved success.
• Successful strategy: A plan that works well.

5. Important Nuances & Similar Words:

• Success (the noun form) is the result of being successful. “She achieved success in her career.”
• Achievement: Often implies overcoming difficulties to reach a goal. “His greatest achievement was winning the marathon.”
• Victory: Specifically refers to winning a contest or battle.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overuse: While common, “successful” can sound a bit bland if used too frequently. Try to be more specific.
• Incorrect Usage: Be careful not to use it to describe something that's just okay – it implies a significant degree of accomplishment.

Example sentences to practice:

1. “The company’s new advertising campaign was very successful.”
2. “She's a successful doctor, known for her compassionate care.”
3. “To be successful in this field requires hard work and dedication.”
4. “The successful outcome of the negotiations led to a new agreement.”

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To help me tailor the explanation even more to your needs, could you tell me:

• What kind of context are you thinking about (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, just learning the language)?
• Are there any specific situations where you’re trying to use “successful”?