caused failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"caused failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone or something has led to the failure of another person or thing. For example: The manager's lack of oversight caused failure in the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It is consequently not surprising that infection has caused failure of many lung transplants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inadequate spillway capacity caused failure by overtopping for many older earthen dams built before modern flood data became available.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rivet-shear has caused failure of riveted joints, and adhesive failure is observed in pure bonded joints.

Composite Structures

The third beam (3) had a calculated L e  = 107.7 mm and equal bonded length, and had a 38%% increase in strength before CFRP rupture caused failure.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

However, subtle perturbation of light intensity possibly due to the light scattering at the PDMS sagging surface caused failure of obtaining the nanoscale line-defects after development process.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In most instances planning without drainage in mind has caused failure or extensive damage to property including the storm water drains which channel the water away.

Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A-B-C

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Operation of these cranes have caused failures of load bearing joints.

Procedia Engineering

They have caused failures at nuclear power plants and medical devices and downed satellites.

Huffington Post

The protein fibrils build up, eventually causing failure.

The New York Times - Arts

Typical compressive strengths (the stress required to cause failure under compression) are given in the Table.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Struggle is not failure, but it causes failure.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "caused failure", ensure that the subject clearly identifies the direct cause of the unsuccessful outcome. Clarity enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "caused failure" when the relationship is merely correlational. If the factor only contributed to the failure, consider using phrases like "contributed to the failure" or "played a role in the failure" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caused failure" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a direct causal relationship between a subject and the resultant failure. Ludwig AI shows various examples where this phrase clearly denotes the reason for an unsuccessful outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

Encyclopedias

12%

News & Media

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caused failure" is a versatile phrase used to denote a direct causal link to an unsuccessful outcome. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in science and encyclopedias. While applicable in diverse registers, it's vital to ensure the cause-and-effect relationship is clearly established, avoiding overstatements. Consider alternatives like "led to failure" or "resulted in failure" for nuanced expression. Ultimately, clarity and accuracy are key when using this phrase to convey the reason behind a failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resulted in failure

This alternative replaces "caused" with "resulted in", emphasizing the outcome as a direct consequence.

led to failure

This alternative uses "led to" instead of "caused", indicating a process or sequence of events that ended in failure.

brought about failure

This alternative uses "brought about" instead of "caused", suggesting a more active or intentional action leading to failure.

precipitated failure

This alternative uses "precipitated", indicating that something accelerated or triggered the failure.

generated failure

This alternative uses "generated" instead of "caused", focusing on the creation or production of failure as a result.

occasioned failure

This alternative, using "occasioned", implies that something provided the opportunity or reason for the failure to occur.

instigated failure

This alternative uses "instigated", suggesting that something initiated or provoked the failure.

created failure

This alternative, using "created", emphasizes that something brought failure into existence.

contributed to failure

This alternative uses "contributed to", indicating that something was a factor in the failure, but not necessarily the sole cause.

played a role in the failure

This alternative expresses that something had an impact on the failure without specifying its exact influence.

FAQs

How can I use "caused failure" in a sentence?

Use "caused failure" to indicate a direct causal relationship between an action or event and an unsuccessful outcome. For example, "Poor planning "caused failure" of the project."

What are some alternatives to using "caused failure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "led to failure", "resulted in failure", or "brought about failure".

Is it better to say "caused a failure" or "caused failure"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Caused failure" is typically used when referring to a general state or condition of failure, while "caused a failure" is used when referring to a specific instance of failure.

What is the difference between "contributed to failure" and "caused failure"?

"Contributed to failure" indicates that something was a factor in the failure, but not necessarily the sole cause. "Caused failure" indicates that something was the direct and primary reason for the unsuccessful outcome.