even if it fails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even if it fails" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a willingness to proceed with an action or decision regardless of the potential for failure. Example: "I will pursue my dream of starting a business, even if it fails."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

In a boost to Alex Salmond's push for a split with the UK, S&P said the Scottish economy was capable of gaining recognition from the international investment community even if it fails to retain the pound and has to issue its own currency.

The Guardian

Even if it fails.

The New York Times - Arts

But it may have an influence even if it fails.

The Economist

Even if it fails, you'll learn something in the process.

Harvard Business Review

Even if it fails, the policy will be worth it.

The New Yorker

Even if it fails, it's a classy failure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

But she still senses the power that came from the 2011 uprising, even if it failed in its immediate goals.

The Guardian

Even if the product is bunk, since its Indiegogo campaign uses the site's Flexible Funding option, the company would have received any contribution made towards the campaign — even if it failed to reach its funding goal.

TechCrunch

It said the Americans had been monitoring the situation closely and that the incumbent regime was functioning; it further said: At the same time, anonymous U.S. sources told journalists that the coup was concerning even if it failed, due to its destabilizing effects.

Wikipedia

Meticulous (even if it failed to prevent yet another first day disappointment), England were deemed the best prepared they had ever been.

The Guardian - Sport

For Machar, the triumph of independence was enough, even if it failed to bring the stability, prosperity and rule of law that it was supposed to.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "even if it fails" with a clear explanation of what will be learned or gained from the attempt, mitigating the perceived negativity of failure.

Common error

Avoid using "even if it fails" as a mere cliché. Ensure that there's a genuine reason to consider the possibility of failure, and that the potential benefits of trying outweigh the risks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even if it fails" functions as an adverbial clause of concession. It introduces a condition that contrasts with the main clause, indicating that the action in the main clause will still occur, regardless of whether the condition (failure) is met. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "even if it fails" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a willingness to proceed with an action despite the potential for failure. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Analysis of various sources reveals that it is frequently employed in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, conveying a sense of resilience and a focus on learning from potential setbacks. While alternatives like "regardless of its failure" or "despite potential failure" exist, "even if it fails" offers a balanced and widely understood approach to expressing this sentiment. It's important to use the phrase purposefully, ensuring it reflects a genuine consideration of potential risks and benefits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regardless of its failure

Emphasizes the lack of concern about the potential failure.

despite its potential failure

Highlights the potential for failure but proceeds anyway.

even if unsuccessful

More concise, focusing on the state of being unsuccessful.

even should it not succeed

More formal and emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the failure.

even if it doesn't work

More informal and focuses on the practical aspect of not working.

even in the event of failure

More formal and emphasizes the possibility of failure as an event.

even if it falls short

Emphasizes the idea of not reaching a desired target or goal.

even if it proves futile

Emphasizes the sense of uselessness or ineffectiveness of the attempt.

even if it comes to nothing

Focuses on the outcome being without value or result.

even if it's a bust

Very informal, using slang to describe a failure.

FAQs

How can I use "even if it fails" in a sentence?

You can use "even if it fails" to express that you are willing to try something despite the possibility of an unsuccessful outcome. For example, "I will pursue my startup idea, "even if it fails", because I believe in its potential."

What are some alternatives to "even if it fails"?

Alternatives include "regardless of failure", "despite potential failure", or "even if unsuccessful". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to say "even if it fails" or "even if it has failed"?

The choice between "even if it fails" and "even if it has failed" depends on the timing. Use "even if it fails" when discussing a future possibility. Use "even if it has failed" when referring to something that has already happened but the consequences are still being considered.

What does "even if it fails" imply about the speaker's attitude?

"Even if it fails" suggests the speaker is resilient, willing to take risks, and sees value in the attempt regardless of the outcome. It indicates a focus on learning and growth, rather than solely on success.