a number of failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of failed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple instances or cases of failure in a particular context. Example: "The project faced a number of failed attempts before finally succeeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Mr Clifford is not to be made an example of following a number of failed prosecutions.

The Guardian

A number of failed attempts to receive public assistance and adequate housing depressed Ms. Smith, who continued using drugs.

The New York Times

He has previously worked on a number of failed tech startups but this latest project has quickly proved itself.

The Guardian - Tech

But in September, after a number of failed attempts, Dr. Agathe Bourgogne, a postdoctoral fellow, and Melissa Drysdale, a graduate student, created a virulent strain.

The New York Times

She also became more adamant, she said, after a number of failed attempts at local legislation intended to push the immigrants out of the community.

The New York Times

After a number of failed forays into the city that produced several American and British casualties, the allied forces retreated to the outskirts and began a slow siege that lasted more than two weeks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

These analyses have been used in publications, however the process does contain a number of fail-safe procedures so that untrained behaviour does not intervene in the good will of the many.

Heritage Science

This considerable overlap is not surprising given the importance of the bipolar mitotic spindle to the survival of eukaryotic cells, providing a number of fail-safes that decrease the risk of chromosome segregation errors during cell division.

Current Biology

But as Mr. Herley and Mr. Florêncio note, commercial sites can block "brute-force attacks" by locking an account after a given number of failed log-in attempts.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, at the high time, a large number of failed sensors have a major negative effect on the system performance.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

At the low time, a small number of failed sensors have a negative but not big effect on the system performance.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a number of failed", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific attempts or endeavors are being referred to. Provide enough detail so the reader understands the nature and scope of the failures.

Common error

Avoid using "a number of failed" without specifying what exactly failed or why. Being vague can weaken your statement and leave the reader confused. Instead of saying, "The company experienced a number of failed initiatives", provide details: "The company experienced a number of failed marketing initiatives, including the social media campaign and the promotional event."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of failed" functions as a determiner and adjective phrase modifying a noun (e.g., attempts, projects). It indicates a quantity of unsuccessful efforts or instances. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a valid expression used to describe multiple unsuccessful events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a number of failed" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe multiple unsuccessful attempts or instances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from describing business ventures to scientific experiments. While the phrase is widely used, it's crucial to provide specific details about what failed to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "several unsuccessful" or "multiple failed attempts" can be used for variety, but "a number of failed" remains a versatile and well-understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several unsuccessful

Focuses on the lack of success of multiple attempts, offering a more concise alternative.

multiple failed attempts

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the failures, highlighting the effort expended.

various unsuccessful endeavors

Suggests a broader range of efforts that did not achieve the desired outcome.

a series of setbacks

Highlights the impediments or obstacles encountered, rather than the outright failures.

numerous unsuccessful ventures

Implies a more formal or business-oriented context, referring to projects or undertakings that did not succeed.

many unsuccessful tries

Uses a more informal tone and emphasizes the act of trying, though without success.

repeated failures

Highlights the recurrence of failure, potentially indicating a systemic issue.

a history of unsuccessful outcomes

Suggests a pattern of failure over time, emphasizing past results.

several abortive attempts

Emphasizes that the attempts were cut short or prematurely terminated.

a multitude of flops

Conveys a sense of large scale failures, with a slightly informal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "a number of failed" in a sentence?

You can use "a number of failed" to describe multiple unsuccessful attempts or endeavors. For example, "The company faced "a number of failed" product launches before finally achieving success."

What are some alternatives to "a number of failed"?

Alternatives include "several unsuccessful", "multiple failed attempts", or "various unsuccessful endeavors", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a number of failed attempts" or "multiple failed attempts"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "A number of failed attempts" is slightly more common, while "multiple failed attempts" may emphasize the repetition of the failures.

What's the difference between "a number of failed attempts" and "a series of setbacks"?

"A number of failed attempts" directly refers to unsuccessful tries, while "a series of setbacks" implies obstacles or impediments that hinder progress, not necessarily complete failures. Setbacks can be temporary, while failed attempts are conclusive.