Cool MateMake it vs Succeed
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Make it
Top 1,000 (very common)
Succeed
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
| Make it | Succeed | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //meɪk ɪt//🇺🇸 //meɪk ɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/səkˈsiːd/","/səkˈsiːdz/","/səkˈsiːdɪd/","/səkˈsiːdɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səkˈsiːd/","/səkˈsiːdz/","/səkˈsiːdɪd/","/səkˈsiːdɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to succeed or achieve something | to do well or to reach a goal |
| Example | I hope to make it to the top of the class this semester. | If you work hard, you will succeed in your goals. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | make it big, make it happen, make it to the top | admirably, beautifully, brilliantly, be likely to, be unlikely to, be determined to, against, at, in, admirably, beautifully, brilliantly, be likely to, be unlikely to, be determined to, against, at, in, appoint somebody to, elect somebody to, be tipped to, as, to, appoint somebody to, elect somebody to, be tipped to, as, to |
| Antonyms | fail, lose, fall short | fail, stop, flop |
| Common mistakes | Using it without context, e.g., 'make it' without saying what is made., Confusing with 'make sure' which has a different meaning., Incorrectly conjugating the phrase for different subjects. | Confused with 'succeed in' vs 'succeed at', Using 'succeed' without an object or context, Incorrectly conjugating with 'succeeded' in future tense |
| Usage notes | Used to describe achieving a goal or reaching a destination. Common in both spoken and written English. Avoid in overly formal contexts. | Use 'succeed' in general situations where someone achieves their aims. More common in neutral contexts than in formal discussions. Avoid using in overly casual settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Make it vs Succeed
What's the difference between Make it and Succeed?
Make it: to succeed or achieve something Succeed: to do well or to reach a goal
Can you show an example of each?
Make it: I hope to make it to the top of the class this semester. Succeed: If you work hard, you will succeed in your goals.
Can I use Make it and Succeed interchangeably?
Not always. Make it and Succeed are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.