Grammar fix

achieve success

be successful

to reach your goals or get the results you want, especially after working hard.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

After years of hard work, she finally achieved success in her career.daily life
In my opinion, people can achieve success by setting clear goals and staying motivated, even when things get difficult.IELTS speaking

Pattern: achieve success (in something)

WrongShe achieved a success in the exam.

RightShe achieved success in the exam. / She did well in the exam.

'Success' here is uncountable — no 'a'.

Patternachieve success (in something)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He achieved a great deal of success in his career.

Natural He did really well in his career. / He was a big success.

'Achieve success' is grammatical but textbooky; in speech natives say 'do well' or 'be a success'.

Words that usually travel with it.

Compare with 'be successful,' which is more general. 'Achieve success' focuses on the process and effort.