fail exams

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail exams" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the outcome of not passing an examination or assessment. Example: "After studying hard all semester, I was devastated to learn that I would fail exams in two of my classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

If there are losers, all the better; if there are people who fail exams, that makes the success of those who pass all the more impressive.

Independent

Children who fail exams at the end of primary school will have to resit them the following year under Conservative plans.

The Guardian

Dissident students have been dismissed from universities: one student says that after opposition material was found in her room in Vitebsk, she mysteriously began to fail exams, and was expelled.The revolution won't be reportedMeanwhile, the media has been utterly suborned.

The Economist

Morgan will also tell her audience at the Policy Exchange thinktank that she will go ahead with plans for children who fail exams at the end of primary school to have to resit them the following year, fulfilling a promise made during the election campaign.

The Guardian

Students care little for study, as few are ever allowed to fail exams.So outcomes will disappoint.

The Economist

Student Welfare services should be actively promoted, in particular to at-risk students (First Years, students who fail exams, and overseas students).

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Failing exams?

The Guardian - Film

It's taken it's toll at college, I've failed exams.

The Guardian

"Student Gripes Have a Point: Campus Dining Fails Exams" (front page, April 20) shows that colleges have become another battleground in the effort to provide safer, healthier food.

The New York Times

During the course of my life I've failed exams and first-school choir auditions (that one still stings) and high school hockey team try-outs.

The Guardian

He was a clever lad who went to the grammar school, but in those days academic students dropped art, so Hockney failed exams deliberately.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fail exams" when you want to directly and clearly state that someone did not pass their examinations.

Common error

While synonyms like "flunk" or "bomb" can be used in informal contexts, avoid them in formal writing. Stick to "fail exams" or "not pass exams" in academic or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail exams" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of success in examinations. It describes the action of not meeting the required standard or passing grade. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fail exams" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe not passing an examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in written English. Although relatively uncommon compared to similar phrases, "fail exams" sees frequent use in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. When writing, remember to reserve informal synonyms like "flunk" for casual settings. For alternatives, consider phrases like "not pass exams" or "do poorly on exams".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flunk exams

Replaces "fail" with a more informal synonym, "flunk".

not pass exams

Uses a negative construction instead of the verb "fail".

not succeed in exams

Similar to "not pass exams", but uses a slightly more formal term.

do poorly on exams

Substitutes a more descriptive phrase for "fail", focusing on the level of performance.

perform badly on exams

Focuses on the quality of performance during the exams.

be unsuccessful in exams

Replaces "fail" with a more formal and extended phrase.

fall short in exams

Emphasizes the lack of achieving the required standard.

bomb exams

Uses a more colloquial and emphatic term for failing.

flop exams

Uses a less formal synonym for failing, "flop".

be defeated by exams

Presents failing as being overcome by the exams.

FAQs

What does it mean to "fail exams"?

To "fail exams" means not to achieve the passing grade or required standard in one or more examinations. It indicates an unsuccessful outcome in the assessment.

What can I say instead of "fail exams"?

You can use alternatives like "not pass exams", "do poorly on exams", or "flunk exams" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "fail exams" or "failed exams"?

The choice depends on the context. "Fail exams" is a general statement or an instruction (e.g., "Try not to fail exams"). "Failed exams" describes a past event (e.g., "I failed my exams last semester").

Which is correct, "fail exams" or "fail in exams"?

"Fail exams" is generally preferred and more common. While "fail in exams" is not grammatically incorrect, it is less frequently used. Therefore, use simply "fail exams".