beginning to fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning to fail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or object that is starting to experience failure or decline. Example: "The old computer is beginning to fail, and I may need to replace it soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Edilberto's kidneys are beginning to fail.

The Guardian

This suggests that the sinks are beginning to fail, they said.

Independent

Blood tests found her white-cell count low and her liver and kidneys beginning to fail.

The New York Times - Health

But Beckham was beginning to fail in that realm of his life, too.

The New York Times

The tragedy of Eliot's newfound happiness was that his health, never good, was beginning to fail.

The Guardian

Her father's business was beginning to fail, and, occasionally, he brought home jewelry for Vivian and her mother.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Seawalls began to fail.

The New Yorker

His liver began to fail.

The New York Times - Science

My mother's heart began to fail.

The New Yorker

Then, the words begin to fail her.

Independent

Her liver began to fail.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system that is "beginning to fail", provide specific details about the observed symptoms or indicators of the failure. This adds clarity and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "beginning to fail" when the situation is already significantly advanced. Reserve it for instances where the failure is genuinely in its early stages to prevent exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning to fail" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase to describe the initial stages of decline or malfunction. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beginning to fail" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the initial stages of decline or malfunction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for diverse writing contexts. Its neutral register allows for application across news, academic, and scientific domains, signaling early problems and the need for attention. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately to describe situations genuinely in their early phases of failure, avoiding overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting to decline

Focuses on the initial stage of deterioration, similar to the original phrase.

starting to deteriorate

Emphasizes the gradual worsening of a condition or state.

showing initial signs of failure

Highlights the early indicators of an impending breakdown.

on the verge of collapse

Suggests an imminent and complete breakdown.

starting to malfunction

Specifically refers to the impaired functionality of a system or device.

becoming ineffective

Focuses on the loss of the ability to produce the desired result.

losing its effectiveness

Highlights the gradual reduction of positive impact.

approaching its end

Suggests the final phase of operation or existence.

exhibiting early deficiencies

Emphasizes that certain flaws or imperfections are emerging.

showing signs of weakening

Focuses on the decreasing strength or resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "beginning to fail" in a sentence?

You can use "beginning to fail" to describe something that is starting to deteriorate or malfunction. For instance, "The old bridge is "beginning to fail" due to corrosion", or "Her eyesight was "beginning to fail", so she needed glasses."

What are some alternatives to "beginning to fail"?

Alternatives include "starting to decline", "starting to malfunction", or "showing initial signs of failure". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "beginning to fail" or "starting to fail"?

Both "beginning to fail" and "starting to fail" are acceptable. The choice often comes down to personal preference, as they convey essentially the same meaning. Consider the rhythm and flow of your sentence when deciding.

What does it mean when someone says something is "beginning to fail"?

It means that something is in the early stages of breaking down, deteriorating, or becoming non-functional. It suggests that the process of failure has started but is not yet complete. Consider the context to fully understand the implications.