fail greatly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail greatly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or substantial failure in a particular context, often emphasizing the extent of the failure. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the project failed greatly, leading to a complete overhaul of the team's strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

As Robert Kennedy said: "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly".

The Guardian

As Robert F. Kennedy so aptly put it, "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly".

TechCrunch

These have actually been responsible for the stability of this road segment presently, but the identified precipitate low resistive substratum (clay) and basement depression observed in the geoelectric section and basement structures and depression observed in both 2-D magnetic model and 2-D resistivity structure may cause some parts of this segment to fail greatly in a short while.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly".

Huffington Post

But we also know that only those who dare to fail greatly, can ever achieve greatly.

Huffington Post

Robert Kennedy said, 'Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.' MSL is poised to do great things".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And it is almost certain to fail, as greatly as the last Prohibition failed in the 1920s.

Forbes

The confidence to burst into the wild west of crypto could either tank his startup with a massive security fail or greatly boost its traction by alligning with what's become a cultural phenomenon.

TechCrunch

The company's earnings news failed to greatly lift its shares, which rose 3 cents to close at $83.76.

The New York Times

Despite his success against the Gepids, Alboin had failed to greatly increase his power, and was now faced with a much stronger threat from the Avars.

Wikipedia

The leap into the present might fail while daring greatly, but the treadmill of more despotism leads nowhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "fail greatly" with a positive outlook: Frame the concept to underscore the importance of taking risks and learning from significant setbacks, as in "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."

Common error

Avoid using "fail greatly" to describe minor or inconsequential setbacks. The phrase carries a weight and significance that is best reserved for situations where the failure has substantial consequences or implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail greatly" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "fail" is the verb and "greatly" is an adverb modifying the verb to indicate the extent or degree of the failure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail greatly" is grammatically correct and used to emphasize the magnitude of a failure, according to Ludwig AI. While not exceptionally common, appearing mostly in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it signifies a failure of considerable extent. The related phrases such as ""fail spectacularly"" or ""fail miserably"" offer similar, yet nuanced alternatives. When using "fail greatly", ensure that the context warrants such a significant description and is not trivialized. Remember that the phrase is powerful when paired with insights regarding resilience and learning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fail spectacularly

Emphasizes the dramatic and highly visible nature of the failure.

Fail miserably

Highlights the profound inadequacy and disappointment of the failure.

Be a resounding failure

Stresses the unequivocal and widely recognized nature of the failure.

Fall flat

Suggests a lack of impact or success, often in the context of a performance or plan.

Collapse completely

Emphasizes the total and irreversible breakdown or failure of something.

Come to nothing

Indicates that efforts or plans did not achieve any positive results.

Be a complete disaster

Conveys a sense of utter failure and chaos.

Meet with disaster

Implies encountering a calamitous event or outcome.

End in ruin

Focuses on the destructive consequences and ultimate collapse resulting from failure.

Go down in flames

Implies a dramatic and irreversible failure, often involving significant loss.

FAQs

How can I use "fail greatly" in a sentence?

You can use "fail greatly" to describe a significant or substantial failure, often implying a lesson learned from a large setback. For example, "The project "failed greatly", but the team gained valuable experience."

What does it mean to "fail greatly"?

To "fail greatly" means to experience a significant or substantial failure. It often implies that the failure was large in scale or impact, possibly leading to important lessons or changes in strategy.

What can I say instead of "fail greatly"?

Alternatives to "fail greatly" include "fail spectacularly", "fail miserably", or "fall flat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "fail greatly" or not fail at all?

The idea of choosing to "fail greatly" suggests that taking risks, even when they lead to significant failures, can be more valuable than avoiding risks altogether. This philosophy emphasizes learning and growth through experience.