but it was not a success vs but it was not success

The correct phrase is 'but it was not a success.' The word 'success' is a countable noun and requires an article ('a') before it. 'Success' is not used as an uncountable noun in this context.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 3410 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"but it was not a success"

This phrase is used to indicate that something did not achieve the desired outcome or was not successful.

Show examples from the web [+]

Europe has reported a success but it is doubtful that Africa will do the same, particularly those men and women fighting oppressive and kleptomaniac regimes.
This report should turn the IGC into a success, but it overlooks the notions which are fundamental to Europe's future.
Not the desired outcome but a success, nonetheless.
But a success could ensure it.
Copenhagen must therefore be a success, but a success achieved by means of a genuine contribution that goes beyond a mere commitment.
That is why enlargement must be a success but it can only be a success if we prepare for it and carry out the reform of our institutions so that we can undertake enlargement.
Montreal was a success, but only in relative terms.
But its success depends to a large extent on its acceptance by all the citizens of Europe.
But its success speaks for itself, and it really does show once more the significance of European added value.
The US made this move under pressure from industry but its success is very much open to question as is whether they will continue with this practice.
But its success resulted in unintended overproduction and surpluses which distorted the market and raised environmental concerns.
In fact, Tobias had even produced a videotape... but its brief success was due to its misleading name.
My Lord, we had nothing but success.
But success in this area will only come about if we have an inclusive approach.
Technical assistance contribution satisfactory but success of projects not guaranteed
They're acting like Operation Clean Sweep was a success, but somebody forgot to give the Toasters that memo.
Europol has been a success, but at a very small scale.
The operation was a success, but the physician botched the convalescence.
The actions of the European Union have been a success, but we are still far from finished and far from achieving our objective.
We hope that you will continue the fight against excessive regulation and make Copenhagen a success, but reduce the number of European Agencies created.

This phrase is incorrect in English.

"but it was not success"

Show examples from the web [+]

But its success depends to a large extent on its acceptance by all the citizens of Europe.
But its success speaks for itself, and it really does show once more the significance of European added value.
The US made this move under pressure from industry but its success is very much open to question as is whether they will continue with this practice.
But its success resulted in unintended overproduction and surpluses which distorted the market and raised environmental concerns.
In fact, Tobias had even produced a videotape... but its brief success was due to its misleading name.
My Lord, we had nothing but success.
But success in this area will only come about if we have an inclusive approach.
Technical assistance contribution satisfactory but success of projects not guaranteed
But it needs economic success, otherwise nationalism will break out there again.
I'm pleased by the success... but it belongs to them.
The report highlights areas of success, but it also points out shortcomings.
The Killing was not a commercial success but it did succeed in building Kubrick and Harris' reputation.
Yes, there has been some success but it really is the tip of the iceberg.
Europe has reported a success but it is doubtful that Africa will do the same, particularly those men and women fighting oppressive and kleptomaniac regimes.
But commercial success and an underground reputation was still a contradiction.
But our success made us arrogant.
Yes, but your success accelerated the schedule.
But this success has strings attached.
In spite of my abstention, I wish the entire Commission nothing but success, because this is so important for all Europeans.
But success in developing biotechnology also depends on finding solutions to the significant ethical, societal, economic and environmental issues it throws up.

Alternatives:

but it was not successful
but it was a failure
but it did not succeed
but it did not achieve success
but it was not a triumph

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but it was not a success vs but it was not success