Is it correct?

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ESL forum > Ask for help > Is it correct?

Is it correct?

gharbi2009

Is it correct?

I would like to know if "to succeed an exam" is correct. I know "to pass an exam" or "to exceed in an exam". My colleague and I disagree about the use of the preposition with "succeed". Thanks for your help beforehand.

24 Oct 2015

Gi2gi

Hi, gharbi,

you can succeed in anything, including an exam; Although it would sound more natural to say I succeeded in passing my exams/ I did well in my exam;

As for exceed in an exam - this is not something you would normally use,

exceed means to go beyond a quantity

e.g. My costs exceeded my income this month; I am completly broke;

or excel/outdo somebody/ surpass something

You�ve passed your exams with flying colors, you�ve exceeded everyone �s expectations :)

Giorgi

24 Oct 2015

Definitely incorrect. "Succeed in an exam" is ok. By the way: "pass an exam" is right, but "exceed in an exam" is incorrect (exceed meand to cross, overspend, so it does not make sense), "succeed in an exam " would be ok.

for more on succeed which usually goes with "in" or a noun look here:

www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionarybritish/succeed

best,

joanna

24 Oct 2015

gharbi2009

Thanks Joanna. I �m grateful.

24 Oct 2015

gharbi2009

Hi Giorgi!

Thanks a bunch for your help. Considering your explanation, "succeed in" means "manage to", am I right?

24 Oct 2015

yanogator

"succeed in" is similar to "manage to", but a little stronger. If you manage to do something, it implies that your success was uncertain until it was accomplished.

I managed to find a job after being unemployed since January 30.

To succeed in doing something doesn �t imply anything about the path to the success.

Bruce

24 Oct 2015