fail to begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to begin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone does not start a task or action as intended. Example: "Despite having all the necessary resources, the team failed to begin the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That frustration will be trebled if England fail to begin their campaign on a positive note.

The Guardian - Sport

Mutants with early, severe defects in sarcomere assembly fail to begin normal embryonic movements at mid-embryogenesis, and soon after this point the elongation process stops prematurely at the two fold length.

Plosone

Despite the known benefits of insulin, many patients fail to begin insulin treatment (4).

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr Donaldson wanted the UUP to withdraw from government if the IRA failed to begin actual decommissioning of weapons by the end of November.

The Economist

Tuareg separatists have said that the government has failed to begin the process of releasing prisoners as called for under the deal.

The New York Times

"It is going to become a battleground, it has become a battleground now, and that is why the government has failed to begin charter renewal.

The Guardian

Several high-profile films were suspended or failed to begin shooting as union rules banning writers' input to scripts in production took effect.

The Guardian

The Senate passed a resolution today calling on Justice Peter G. Verniero of the State Supreme Court to resign if the General Assembly fails to begin impeachment proceedings against him.

The New York Times

The hit series 24 failed to begin its new season in January, while recent awards winners such as The Office and 30 Rock have also gone off air.

The Guardian

With these comments, Graham apparently dismissed the chances of tech-industry success for anyone who failed to begin their career pursuits in adolescence, female or not.

The New Yorker

Once the buyer has failed to begin the trip, he or she calls for a claim form and files it with the documentation.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to begin", ensure the context clearly indicates the expected action or process that did not start. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to begin" in situations where a simpler phrase like "didn't start" would suffice. Overcomplicating the language can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to begin" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of initiation or commencement of an action. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in describing situations where a planned or expected start does not occur.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fail to begin" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the lack of commencement of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the phrase is found in a variety of sources, including news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While not extremely common, it provides a clear and somewhat formal way to express that something did not start as expected. Related phrases include "fail to initiate" and "fail to start", each with slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies what was supposed to begin. Overall, "fail to begin" is a versatile phrase suitable for various writing styles, though simpler alternatives might be preferable in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to initiate

Emphasizes a lack of initial action or start, synonymous with "fail to begin".

fail to commence

Highlights a formal lack of starting, suitable for more official contexts.

fail to start

A more general term indicating a lack of commencement.

fail to launch

Suggests a failure in the initial stages of introducing or starting something.

neglect to start

Focuses on the aspect of neglecting or omitting the start of something.

refrain from starting

Indicates a conscious decision not to begin.

omit to begin

Highlights the act of leaving out the commencement of something.

decline to initiate

Indicates a refusal or unwillingness to start.

stall on commencement

Suggests a delay or hindrance in starting.

fall short of initiating

Emphasizes the failure to meet the requirement of starting.

FAQs

How can I use "fail to begin" in a sentence?

You can use "fail to begin" to describe a situation where an expected action or process does not start. For example: "The project "failed to begin" due to lack of funding".

What are some alternatives to "fail to begin"?

Alternatives include "fail to start", "fail to initiate", or simply "didn't begin", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "fail to begin" and "failed to begin"?

"Fail to begin" is present tense, used for ongoing or habitual situations. "Failed to begin" is past tense, describing a specific instance in the past where something did not start.

Is it more formal to say "fail to begin" than "didn't start"?

Yes, "fail to begin" is generally more formal than "didn't start". "Didn't start" is more conversational and suitable for informal contexts, while "fail to begin" is appropriate for more formal or professional writing.