a failure to proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a failure to proceed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is an inability or refusal to move forward with a task, process, or action. Example: "The project was delayed due to a failure to proceed with the necessary approvals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

On the other hand, something would have to be seen to be done: "It was noted … that a failure to proceed might be taken as evidence of a church culture which colluded with child abuse". Perish the thought.

The Guardian - Opinion

The motion says that current planning laws "are not the reason for a failure to proceed with existing approved housing developments" and that the plan to relax planning laws goes against the spirt of the Localism Act 2011, which gives councils more control over planning decisions.

The Guardian

Mutants are also defective in the phosphorylation and degradation of the meiotic cohesion, Rec8, resulting in a failure to proceed through the MII division.

Biology Open

However, aggregating the same blastomere with other 'vegetal' blastomeres from ME embryos exclusively, results in a failure to proceed through development (Piotrowska-Nitsche et al., 2005).

Human Reproduction

Mutants are also defective in the phosphorylation and degradation of the meiotic cohesin Rec8, resulting in a failure to proceed through the MII division.

Biology Open

We were very clear that the intervention, the introduction of the Columbia Respiratory Care approach, was highly dependent on the involvement and participation of the majority of the staff and therefore a clear rejection at this stage would indeed have led to a failure to proceed to the next stage of implementation.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

For this reason, the evolutionary problem for a successful invasion or an extinction failure to proceed is strongly related to how the species maintains or accumulates heritable genetic variance.

Evolutionary Applications

Dugher and his team sent a draft report on the government's failure to proceed with part two of the Leveson inquiry to Corbyn just before Christmas.

The Guardian

Children will be classified as failure to proceed if they do not attend a minimum of four hours of direct therapy (<66%), or if they need to be withdrawn from the study due to significant post-injection or other medical complications requiring deviation from the rehabilitation pathway.

BMC Pediatrics

Failure to proceed past the qualifying round of Euro 1992 with a 2 1 defeat against Sweden led to newspaper headlines such as "Swedes 2 Turnips 1" and Taylor's nickname of "Turnip Head".

Wikipedia

In our view, if Lens.com could have stopped the use of ads using 1-800's mark by simply requiring CJ to send an email blast to its affiliates forbidding such use, then Lens.com's failure to proceed in that manner after learning of such ads could constitute contributory infringement.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a failure to proceed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not proceeding and why. For example, specify "a failure to proceed with the project" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a failure to proceed" when simpler phrases like "didn't continue" or "stopped" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a failure to proceed" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation where an expected or planned progression has not occurred. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a failure to proceed" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes an interruption or cessation of progress. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while the phrase is accurate and usable, it's more prevalent in formal contexts such as science, news, and academia. It is important to consider less formal alternatives in a normal conversation, to keep the message concise and natural. Related phrases like "inability to continue" and "cessation of progress" offer nuanced variations for different situations. Using the phrase correctly involves ensuring the context clearly indicates what is not proceeding and why, and avoiding its overuse when simpler language suffices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inability to continue

Focuses on the lack of capacity or means to carry on.

cessation of progress

Emphasizes the halting or ending of forward movement.

breakdown in advancement

Highlights a disruption or collapse in the process of moving forward.

halt in progression

Indicates a sudden stop in the development or advancement.

non-advancement

A more direct and neutral term for not moving forward.

lack of furtherance

Emphasizes the absence of actions that would help something progress.

standstill in development

Refers to a complete stop in the growth or evolution of something.

interruption of workflow

Highlights disruption of operational activities.

delay in implementation

Focuses specifically on postponing or holding up the execution of a plan.

regression to previous state

The issue is not the impossibility to proceed, but to go back to an older one

FAQs

How can I use "a failure to proceed" in a sentence?

You can use "a failure to proceed" to describe situations where progress has been halted. For example: "The investigation was halted due to "a failure to cooperate" from key witnesses".

What are some alternatives to "a failure to proceed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "halt in progression", "inability to continue", or "cessation of progress".

Is it better to say "failure to proceed" or "failure to continue"?

"Failure to proceed" often implies a more formal or planned action that has been stopped, while "failure to continue" is a broader term. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What causes "a failure to proceed" in project management?

Common causes include lack of resources, "lack of funding", disagreements among stakeholders, or unexpected technical difficulties.