Achieve vs Succeed: Decoding Common Word Mix-Ups

Are you achieving your goals or succeeding in them? The difference between these two words may seem subtle, but it can make a significant impact on how you approach your objectives. In this article, we will explore the nuances between “achieve” and “succeed” and how to use them correctly.

Let’s define these terms. “Achieve” means to fulfill a goal or reach a desired outcome through effort, skill, or perseverance. On the other hand, “succeed” means to accomplish something desired or intended or to attain a position of higher status or rank.

So, which is the proper word to use? It depends on the context. If you are talking about a specific goal or objective, “achieve” may be the better word to use. If you are discussing a broader sense of accomplishment or reaching a higher level of success, “succeed” may be more appropriate.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the differences between these two words and how to use them effectively in your writing and communication.

Define Achieve

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “achieve” means to successfully bring about or accomplish a desired goal or result through effort, skill, or courage. It implies that a specific objective has been met, and that the individual has worked towards it with determination and perseverance.

Achievement can be measured in a variety of ways, depending on the context. For example, in a professional setting, achieving a promotion or a sales target may be considered an achievement. In a personal context, achieving a fitness goal or completing a challenging project may be seen as an achievement.

It’s important to note that achieving something does not necessarily mean that the individual has reached a state of ultimate fulfillment or happiness. It simply means that they have accomplished a specific goal or task.

Define Succeed

The word “succeed” is also defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as achieving a desired goal or result, but with a slightly different connotation. To succeed means to achieve something with the intention of reaching a higher level of success or accomplishment. It implies a continuous effort to improve and excel in a particular area.

Success is often associated with a sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, and recognition. It can be measured in various ways, such as financial gain, social status, or personal growth. However, success is a subjective concept that varies from person to person, and what one individual considers a success may not be the same for another.

Unlike achievement, success is not limited to a specific goal or task. It is a broader concept that encompasses a continuous effort to improve and reach higher levels of excellence.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying your intended message. Two commonly confused words are “achieve” and “succeed.” While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect the overall tone of your writing. Here’s how to use them correctly:

How To Use “Achieve” In A Sentence

The word “achieve” is often used to describe the act of reaching a goal or accomplishing something through effort or skill. It can also refer to obtaining a desired outcome or result. Here are some examples:

• She worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.
• He finally achieved his goal of running a marathon.
• The team’s efforts to improve their performance paid off, and they achieved a victory.

As you can see, “achieve” is typically used to describe a specific accomplishment or goal that has been reached through hard work or determination. It implies that there was a significant effort involved in obtaining the desired outcome.

How To Use “Succeed” In A Sentence

The word “succeed” is often used to describe the act of accomplishing something or achieving a desired outcome. However, it can also refer to achieving a level of prosperity or fame. Here are some examples:

• She succeeded in convincing the board to approve her proposal.
• He succeeded in business by taking calculated risks and making smart investments.
• The band’s new album was a huge success, earning them national recognition.

As you can see, “succeed” is often used to describe achieving a desired outcome, but it can also refer to achieving a level of success or recognition. It implies that the person or entity has achieved a certain level of prosperity or fame.

By using “achieve” and “succeed” correctly in your writing, you can convey the intended meaning and tone of your message with precision and clarity.

More Examples Of Achieve & Succeed Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between achieve and succeed, it is important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples of how achieve can be used:

Examples Of Using Achieve In A Sentence

• She was able to achieve her goal of running a marathon in under four hours.
• After years of hard work, he finally achieved his dream of becoming a doctor.
• The company was able to achieve record profits last quarter.
• With determination and perseverance, anyone can achieve success.
• It took a lot of effort, but we were able to achieve our fundraising goal.
• She hopes to achieve a promotion at work by the end of the year.
• The team worked together to achieve a victory in the championship game.
• He set a goal to achieve fluency in Spanish within six months.
• Through hard work and dedication, he was able to achieve financial independence.
• She is determined to achieve her dream of starting her own business.

Now, let’s take a look at some examples of how succeed can be used:

Examples Of Using Succeed In A Sentence

• Despite facing many challenges, she was able to succeed in her new job.
• He has always been a hard worker and that is why he has succeeded in life.
• With the right mindset and attitude, anyone can succeed in achieving their goals.
• She was determined to succeed in her quest to climb Mount Everest.
• He worked tirelessly to succeed in getting his novel published.
• Success is not just about achieving your goals, it’s also about enjoying the journey.
• She hopes to succeed in her mission to raise awareness about climate change.
• He believes that anyone can succeed if they have a clear vision and a plan to achieve it.
• Despite facing many obstacles, the team was able to succeed in winning the championship.
• She is confident that she will succeed in her efforts to make a positive impact on the world.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to achieving goals, the words “achieve” and “succeed” are often used interchangeably. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when using these words incorrectly.

Using “Achieve” And “Succeed” Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “achieve” and “succeed” as synonyms. While they may seem interchangeable, they actually have different meanings.

• Achieve: to successfully bring about or accomplish a desired goal or result
• Succeed: to achieve a desired goal or result; to prosper or flourish

For example, you can achieve a goal without necessarily succeeding. And you can succeed without necessarily achieving a specific goal. Understanding the difference between these two words is important for clear communication and goal-setting.

Using “Achieve” Incorrectly

Another common mistake is using “achieve” incorrectly. Here are a few examples:

• Using “achieve” to mean “try” or “attempt”
• Using “achieve” in the present tense when talking about a future goal
• Using “achieve” when talking about something that is beyond your control

For example, saying “I’m going to achieve to run a marathon next year” is incorrect. Instead, you should say “I’m going to attempt to run a marathon next year.” Avoiding these mistakes will help you communicate more clearly and set achievable goals.

Using “Succeed” Incorrectly

Similarly, there are some common mistakes people make when using “succeed” incorrectly. Here are a few examples:

• Using “succeed” to mean “try” or “attempt”
• Using “succeed” to mean “win” or “beat”
• Using “succeed” in the past tense when talking about a future goal

For example, saying “I’m going to succeed the project” is incorrect. Instead, you should say “I’m going to attempt to complete the project successfully.” By avoiding these mistakes, you can communicate more clearly and accurately describe your goals and achievements.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

Here are a few tips for avoiding these common mistakes:

• Double-check the definition of “achieve” and “succeed” before using them
• Use “achieve” when talking about specific goals that you have control over
• Use “succeed” when talking about a broader sense of accomplishment or prosperity
• Avoid using these words as synonyms

By following these tips, you can communicate more clearly and accurately describe your goals and achievements.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “achieve” and “succeed” may seem like a trivial matter, but it can make a world of difference in how your message is received. The context in which these words are used can greatly impact their meaning and connotation.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “achieve” and “succeed” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Preferred Word
Academic Setting	She was able to ________ a perfect score on the exam.	Succeed
Career Setting	He was able to ________ his sales targets for the quarter.	Achieve
Personal Goal Setting	She was able to ________ her dream of running a marathon.	Achieve
Teamwork Setting	They were able to ________ their project goals by working together.	Achieve

In an academic setting, the word “succeed” is often preferred over “achieve” as it implies a level of mastery or excellence. On the other hand, in a career setting, “achieve” is often used to describe meeting or exceeding specific goals or targets.

When it comes to personal goal setting, “achieve” is often used to describe reaching a specific milestone or accomplishment. However, in a teamwork setting, “achieve” is often used to describe the collective effort of a group to reach a shared goal.

As you can see, the context in which these words are used can greatly impact their meaning and connotation. It’s important to consider the context carefully when choosing between “achieve” and “succeed” to ensure that your message is clear and effective.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using achieve and succeed are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. In certain contexts, the two words may not be interchangeable. Here are a few examples:

1. Personal Goals

When it comes to personal goals, the distinction between achieve and succeed can be a bit blurry. In some cases, the two words may be used interchangeably. However, there are situations where one word may be more appropriate than the other.

• Use “achieve” when referring to a specific accomplishment or milestone that you have worked towards and reached. For example: “I finally achieved my goal of running a marathon.”
• Use “succeed” when referring to a broader, ongoing effort or mindset. For example: “I have succeeded in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

2. Business And Professional Contexts

In business and professional contexts, the meanings of achieve and succeed can be more distinct. Here are a few examples:

Achieve	Succeed
to reach a specific goal or objective	to attain a desired outcome or level of success
often used in the context of a project or task	often used in the context of a career or business
Example: “The team achieved their sales target for the quarter.”	Example: “She succeeded in building a successful business from scratch.”

3. Negative Connotations

While both achieve and succeed are generally positive words, there are some situations where they may have negative connotations. Here are a few examples:

• Use “achieve” when referring to something that required a lot of effort or sacrifice. For example: “He achieved his success through years of hard work and dedication.”
• Use “succeed” when referring to something that may have been achieved through luck or other factors outside of one’s control. For example: “She succeeded in her career, but it was largely due to her family connections.”

By keeping these exceptions in mind, you can use achieve and succeed more effectively in your writing and communication.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of achieve and succeed requires practice. Here are some exercises to help readers hone their skills:

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word

Read each sentence and choose the correct word (achieve or succeed) to fill in the blank. Check your answers below.

1. She worked hard to _______ her goals.	_______
2. He finally _______ in passing the exam.	_______
3. The team was able to _______ a victory in the final seconds of the game.	_______
4. The company hopes to _______ a 10% increase in sales this quarter.	_______
5. It takes hard work and dedication to _______ your dreams.	_______

Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank

Complete each sentence with the correct form of achieve or succeed. Check your answers below.

1. She has been working hard to _______ her goals.
2. He finally _______ in passing the exam.
3. The team was able to _______ a victory in the final seconds of the game.
4. The company hopes to _______ a 10% increase in sales this quarter.
5. It takes hard work and dedication to _______ your dreams.

Answer Key

Exercise 1:

1. achieve

2. succeed

3. achieve

4. achieve

5. achieve

Exercise 2:

1. achieve
2. succeeded
3. achieve
4. achieve
5. achieve

By practicing these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of achieve and succeed in sentences. With enough practice, using these words correctly will become second nature.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between achieve and succeed, it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. While both words convey the idea of reaching a goal, they differ in their connotations and usage.

Key Takeaways

• Achieve implies putting in effort and overcoming obstacles to reach a goal.
• Succeed implies achieving a desired outcome or result.
• Achieve is often used in the context of personal growth and development.
• Succeed is often used in the context of business or career success.
• Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or miscommunication.

By understanding the nuances of these two words, you can communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes. Remember to consider the context and connotations of each word before choosing which one to use.

Continue Learning

If you want to continue improving your grammar and language use, there are many resources available. Consider reading books on grammar and style, taking online courses, or working with a writing coach. By investing in your skills, you can become a more effective communicator and achieve greater success in your personal and professional life.