due to a failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "due to a failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to explain the reason for an event or situation that has occurred as a result of a failure. Example: "The project was delayed due to a failure in the communication system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It stopped working due to a failure of capitalism.

The Guardian

The lapses in coverage were due to a failure to look for opposing views.

The New York Times

"Due to a failure to provide oversight, children have literally disappeared from institutions," the report said.

The New York Times

Retrograde amnesia otherwise would appear to be wholly due to a failure of retrieval, though this failure is evidently selective.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While the Wii was a great seller for three or four years, its lifecycle has been cut short due to a failure in providing ongoing user engagement.

The Guardian - Tech

This unfortunate situation is due to a failure of vision and leadership on many campuses, where study abroad is seen as enrichment or added value and thus marginalized.

The New York Times

Philae had bounced back up again due to a failure of the explosives-powered harpoons that were supposed to anchor it to the surface.

The Economist

Immorality is due to a failure to know how to distinguish right from wrong.

SEP

The deal fell through due to a failure to agree on staff pension provision.

BBC

The first one never made it to orbit due to a failure at launch.

Science Magazine

A cell is in outage when it cannot carry traffic due to a failure.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "due to a failure", ensure that the noun following it clearly identifies the specific failure being referenced for clarity and precision. For instance, "The delay was due to a failure of the primary server."

Common error

Avoid attributing an outcome solely to "due to a failure" without properly investigating and identifying the root cause. A superficial assessment may lead to addressing symptoms rather than the underlying issue, hindering effective resolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "due to a failure" functions as a causal prepositional phrase, indicating that a specific event or situation occurred as a direct consequence of something not succeeding. As Ludwig confirms, it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "due to a failure" is a grammatically correct and very common causal connector used to explain the reason for an event or situation. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in English writing. It is most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the particular failure being referenced. While versatile, consider alternatives like "because of a failure" or "resulting from a failure" for subtle differences in emphasis and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a consequence of a failure

Formal alternative emphasizing the result of the failure.

resulting from a failure

Highlights the failure as the direct cause.

because of a failure

More direct and common alternative to indicate the reason.

owing to a failure

Formal and slightly less common way to express causation.

on account of a failure

Similar to 'because of', but slightly more formal.

attributable to a failure

Suggests that the failure is the identifiable cause.

caused by a failure

Directly states the failure as the cause.

a failure led to

Focuses on the failure as the initiator of the consequence.

a failure resulted in

Similar to 'led to', emphasizing the outcome.

the failure prompted

Indicates the failure instigated or motivated the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "due to a failure" in a sentence?

Use "due to a failure" to explain why something happened as a result of something not working or succeeding. For example, "The project was delayed "due to a failure" in communication."

What phrases are similar to "due to a failure"?

Alternatives include "because of a failure", "as a result of a failure", or "owing to a failure" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "due to a failure" in formal writing?

While "due to a failure" is generally acceptable in formal writing, consider stronger alternatives like "resulting from a failure" or "attributable to a failure" if greater precision is needed.

What's the difference between "due to a failure" and "due to the failure of"?

"Due to a failure" is more general, while "due to the failure of" specifies a particular instance. For example, "The system crashed "due to a failure"" implies a general malfunction, whereas "The system crashed due to the failure of the main server" points to a specific component.