fail to crank

USAGE SUMMARY

"fail to crank" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically means to fail to start something, usually an engine, due to a technical issue. For example: "My car failed to crank this morning when I tried to start it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

One thing is certain: in Ukraine, we live surrounded by so many charismatic and anti-charismatic political figures, only the laziest writer could fail to crank out at least one novel per year.

The New York Times

Now, looking to explain those results, Cloyd's group has found in cell culture that while the RNA that codes for the virus enters resistant cells and makes a DNA copy of itself, the cells somehow fail to crank out more virus.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If the engine fails to crank, wait a couple of minutes and try again.

WikiHow

The vehicles may exhibit long crank times or fail to start.

The New York Times

Some fail to advance.

The New York Times - Arts

Many fail to thrive.

The Economist

You fail to communicate.

WikiHow

If the engine fails to start: Continue cranking for 2 to 3 minutes.

WikiHow

After the generator failed to work, they hand-cranked the light's mantle.

Wikipedia

Why would you be jealous of the size of an zit, or the epicness of a fail, or that parrot's ability to crank out a perfect impression of Future?

Vice

In other words, if Flew was misled, he can blame Dawkins, who holds an Oxford professorship in the "public understanding of science" yet failed to inform his public that Schroeder was a crank.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing engine trouble, specify what "failed to crank". For example, instead of "The engine failed to crank", try "The engine failed to crank, suggesting a battery issue".

Common error

Avoid using "fail to crank" metaphorically outside of contexts directly related to engines or mechanical systems. While creative language is valuable, using this phrase too broadly dilutes its specific meaning and can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to crank" functions as a verb phrase indicating the inability of an engine or mechanical device to start or turn over. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, primarily relating to mechanical failures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science & Research

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fail to crank" is a grammatically sound phrase that specifically refers to the inability of an engine or mechanical device to initiate its starting sequence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a usable phrase. While not exceedingly common, it finds utility across various contexts including mechanics, news reporting, and technical discussions. The phrase is most frequently used to describe mechanical failures and operational issues. When writing, ensure to provide a context and avoid overuse in non-mechanical domains to maintain clarity and precision. Alternatives such as "not start" or "refuse to start" can be used depending on the situation to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not start

Emphasizes the absence of ignition or initial operation.

not ignite

Focuses specifically on the failure of combustion.

refuse to start

Highlights a deliberate-like resistance to initiating operation.

not turn over

Describes the engine's inability to begin its cycle.

malfunction on startup

Indicates a problem occurring during the initial phase of operation.

not be able to be started

Expresses the inability to initiate the process in a passive way.

stall upon starting

Indicates the engine stops immediately after turning on.

be inoperative at start

Describes the device as not functional from the beginning.

experience starting failure

Highlights the instance of a failed attempt at starting.

be unable to initiate

Highlights the inability to begin the start up of the device.

FAQs

What does "fail to crank" mean in automotive terms?

In automotive contexts, "fail to crank" means the engine doesn't turn over when you try to start the vehicle. This often indicates a problem with the battery, starter motor, or related electrical components.

What are common reasons an engine might "fail to crank"?

Common causes include a dead or weak battery, a faulty starter motor, a problem with the ignition switch, or issues with the engine's immobilizer system.

Is it correct to say "fails to crank" instead of "fail to crank"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the subject. Use "fails to crank" when the subject is singular (e.g., "The engine fails to crank") and "fail to crank" when the subject is plural or "I/you/we/they" (e.g., "The engines fail to crank", "I fail to crank the engine").

What can I say instead of "fail to crank"?

You can use alternatives like "not start", "not ignite", or "refuse to start" depending on the specific context.