but it failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but it failed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something did not succeed or did not achieve the desired outcome after an attempt or effort. Example: "We tried to implement the new software system, but it failed to meet our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The ICC had its chance but it failed.

Independent

Only one bomb found its mark, but it failed to explode.

Wikipedia

But it failed to sustain its gains.

The New York Times

But it failed to deliver on its basic promise of producing an undisputed world champion.

The Economist

But it failed to support arguments about its role in other health problems.

Science Magazine

But it failed.

The New York Times

But it failed to materialize.

The New York Times

But it failed to drive out competitors.

The New York Times

But it failed to resonate with fans.

Independent

But it failed to pass.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The system was in place but it failed.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but it failed" to clearly and concisely indicate the lack of success following an attempt or effort. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions when you can express the same idea more directly and actively. Instead of "The plan was failed by them", use "But it failed" for a more concise and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but it failed" serves as a conjunction indicating contrast and outcome. It connects a prior action or attempt with its unsuccessful result. Ludwig AI data confirms its usage in various contexts to clearly state a lack of success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but it failed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating an unsuccessful outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across contexts, with particularly high prevalence in news and media. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, users might consider more sophisticated alternatives like "however, it was unsuccessful" for enhanced formality or precision. The phrase's directness and clarity make it a valuable tool for effective communication. Remembering to avoid passive constructions in favor of the active voice ensures the message remains impactful. Given the widespread usage and acceptance, "but it failed" remains a reliable choice for expressing lack of success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, it failed

Adds the transition word "however" to give a more formal register, then repeats the verb "failed".

yet, it failed

Adds the transition word "yet" to give a more formal register, then repeats the verb "failed".

but it didn't succeed

Replaces the word "failed" with the phrase "didn't succeed", maintaining a similar level of formality.

but it was unsuccessful

Uses the adjective "unsuccessful" instead of the verb "failed", offering a more formal tone.

but it proved fruitless

Employs a more figurative expression, indicating a lack of positive results or outcome.

but it was to no avail

Replaces "failed" with "to no avail", making it a more idiomatic expression.

but it came to nothing

Suggests that the effort or plan resulted in no tangible outcome or achievement.

but it misfired

Uses the term "misfired", which means to fail to achieve the intended result or effect.

but it fell short

Indicates that the attempt did not reach the required standard or expectation.

but it didn't work out

Offers a more informal way of saying something didn't succeed, often used in casual contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "but it failed" in a sentence?

You can use "but it failed" to connect a statement of attempt or intention with its unsuccessful outcome. For example, "They tried to fix the bug, but it failed."

What can I say instead of "but it failed"?

You can use alternatives like "but it didn't succeed", "but it was unsuccessful", or "but it fell short" depending on the specific context.

Is "but it failed" appropriate for formal writing?

"But it failed" is generally appropriate, however, for a more formal register, consider using alternatives such as "however it was unsuccessful" or "yet it came to nothing".

What is the difference between "but it failed" and "but it was a failure"?

"But it failed" indicates the act of failing, whereas "but it was a failure" refers to the subject being a failure. For instance, "The project was launched, but it failed" versus "The project was ambitious, but it was a failure".