What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
succeed
Example
I hope to succeed in my new job. [succeed: verb]
Example
Despite facing many challenges, she succeeded in completing the project. [succeeded: past tense verb]
achieve
Example
I want to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. [achieve: verb]
Example
She achieved her goal of running a marathon after months of training. [achieved: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Achieve is more commonly used than succeed in everyday language. Achieve is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while succeed is less common and often used in specific contexts such as business or sports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between succeed and achieve?
Both succeed and achieve are formal words and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, succeed may be more commonly used in formal contexts such as business or academic writing.
