achieve + result
Naming the result directly
Achieve commonly takes a direct object without a preposition.
He achieved victory in the final
"Achieve by" or "achieve in"?
Achieve often takes a direct object. By usually introduces the method, while in introduces an area or field.
Quick answer
How do achieve by and achieve in differ?
Use achieve something by doing something to explain the method. Use achieve something in a field, subject, or period to show where or when success happened. Achieve is often used without a preposition before the result itself.
They achieved success by working together
She achieved remarkable progress in science
The team achieved its goal ahead of schedule
She achieved remarkable progress in science
The team achieved its goal ahead of schedule
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
achieve something by + method
Explaining how success happened
By introduces the action or method used.
They achieved growth by expanding online
achieve something in + field
Showing the area of success
In introduces a field, subject, or context.
She achieved recognition in medicine
achieve something in + time period
Showing when a result happened
In can also introduce a period of time.
The company achieved profitability in two years
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
achieve something by doing something
They achieved success by investing early.
Shows the method used.
achieve something in a field
She achieved distinction in engineering.
Shows the area or context of success.
achieve something
He achieved his aim.
Direct object pattern with no preposition.
achieve in something
The athlete achieved in several competitions.
Less common and usually incomplete; English normally names the achievement directly.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Adding an unnecessary preposition
Achieve usually takes a direct object.
✕ She achieved to success. ✓ She achieved success.Using in for method
Use by to explain how something was achieved.
✕ They achieved growth in cutting costs. ✓ They achieved growth by cutting costs.Leaving the achievement unclear
Achieve in often sounds incomplete without a noun describing the result.
✕ He achieved in business. ✓ He achieved success in business.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The startup achieved rapid growth ___ improving its app.
2. She achieved recognition ___ journalism.
3. He finally achieved ___ goal.
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Frequently asked questions
Is achieve by correct?
Yes, when by introduces the method used to achieve something.
When do we use achieve in?
Use it for fields, contexts, or time periods, such as in science or in three months.
Does achieve need a preposition?
Often no. English commonly says achieve success, achieve a goal, or achieve victory.
Related preposition guides
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