did not fail

USAGE SUMMARY

"did not fail" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something did not happen. For example: "Despite the difficult conditions, the team did not fail and was able to complete the project successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gonzaga did not fail.

The New York Times - Sports

We did not fail.

The Guardian

You did not fail me.

The Guardian

And Piazza did not fail.

The New York Times - Sports

He did not fail Friday.

The New York Times - Sports

"Neil Kinnock did not fail.

The Guardian

The market did not fail.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it did not fail.

The New York Times - Arts

These talks did not fail by accident.

The Guardian - Opinion

And yet they did not fail.

The New York Times - Sports

But words did not fail Hemon.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did not fail" to emphasize a positive outcome by highlighting the absence of failure, especially when the expectation was otherwise.

Common error

Avoid using "did not fail" excessively in writing, as it can make your prose sound convoluted. Opt for more direct positive statements like "succeeded" or "triumphed" where appropriate to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not fail" functions as a verbal phrase expressing the negation of failure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It modifies a subject by indicating that the subject did not succumb to failure, implying a successful outcome or avoidance of a negative result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did not fail" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the avoidance of failure and, often, to highlight success. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness for use in written English. Its neutral register and widespread occurrence across various domains such as News & Media, Science, and Academia make it a versatile option for expressing positive outcomes. When writing, consider whether a more direct positive statement might be more impactful, but remember that "did not fail" is particularly useful for emphasizing resilience and the surmounting of challenges. Related alternatives include "succeeded" and "came through".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeeded

Replaces the negative framing with a positive affirmation of achieving success.

avoided failure

Directly states the absence of failure.

was successful

Similar to 'succeeded' but emphasizes the state of being successful.

did not falter

Focuses on maintaining strength or resolve, rather than outright success.

managed to succeed

Highlights the effort involved in achieving success.

held up

Suggests withstanding pressure or stress without failing.

came through

Implies overcoming a challenge and succeeding.

prevailed

Highlights ultimate victory after a struggle.

didn't disappoint

Emphasizes meeting expectations.

triumphed

Implies a significant victory or success.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "did not fail" to sound more positive?

You can replace "did not fail" with more affirmative options such as "succeeded", "was successful", or "prevailed" depending on the context.

Is "did not fail" the same as "succeeded"?

While both convey a positive outcome, "did not fail" emphasizes the avoidance of failure, whereas "succeeded" directly highlights the achievement of success. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it best to use "did not fail" over alternatives?

Use "did not fail" when you want to emphasize that something was expected to fail, or when highlighting resilience and the avoidance of a negative outcome is crucial to the message. Otherwise, a direct positive statement might be more effective.

What are some common synonyms for "did not fail"?

Alternatives include "came through", "didn't disappoint", and "avoided failure", each offering slightly different connotations. Choose the synonym that best fits the specific context.