fail to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to function" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when speaking or writing about an object such as a machine or device, or a system of some kind that has stopped working or is not working properly. For example, "The air conditioning system failed to function correctly, leading to an uncomfortable environment in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

If the software that provides Web-browsing functionality were removed from Windows 98, the operating system would fail to function in many ways.As you observe, the government claims that Microsoft "tried to push Netscape into colluding with it" to carve up the browser market illegally during a meeting with Netscape in May 1995.

The Economist

Astonishing how many things fail to function without electricity.

The New York Times

The immune system may fail to function for many reasons.

Britannica

If the shutter and the finder-display fail to function, look again at the battery.

The New York Times - Arts

Take away one part, and the remainder of the parts fail to function as before.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If these systems lack the environment required for normal development, they may fail to function as evolution designed them.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Institutions failed to function as they should.

The New Yorker

The extinguisher failed to function, too, he said.

The New York Times

"The brakes in my legs failed to function properly, and I managed to stop only after 75 kilometers.

The New York Times - Sports

But nuclear power has consistently failed to function at the levels of baseload for which it has been designed.

The Guardian - Business

It did not work, and a failsafe switch on the device also failed to function.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to function", ensure the context clearly indicates what is expected to function. For example, "The backup system failed to function during the power outage."

Common error

Avoid embedding "fail to function" within overly complex sentences. Simpler constructions often provide clearer communication. Instead of "Due to the intricate network configuration, the security protocol unexpectedly failed to function effectively", try "The security protocol failed to function effectively due to the network configuration."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to function" primarily serves as a verb phrase indicating an inability or cessation of operation. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage. Examples show it describing machinery, systems, and even abstract processes that do not work as expected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fail to function" is a commonly used verb phrase indicating an inability or cessation of proper operation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across varied contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral, its formality adjusts with the surrounding text. Remember to ensure a clear context for what is expected to function when using this phrase. Consider related alternatives like "cease to operate" or "stop working" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cease to operate

Emphasizes the termination of the operational state.

stop working

A more informal way of saying something is not functioning.

malfunction

Implies that something is not working correctly.

break down

Suggests a complete failure of operation.

become inoperative

Formal way of saying something is not capable of operating.

go out of order

Indicates a temporary or permanent state of non-function.

give out

Implies a gradual decline leading to a failure.

be disabled

Suggests a state of being unable to function, often due to external factors.

prove unworkable

Highlights the impracticality of functioning.

not be up to scratch

British English expression meaning not performing to the required standard.

FAQs

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

Use "fail to function" to describe something that is not working or operating as intended. For example: "The engine "failed to start"", or "The security system "failed to detect" the intrusion".

What are some alternatives to "fail to function"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "malfunction", "stop working", or "cease to operate".

Is it better to say "failed to function" or "did not function"?

"Failed to function" implies an expectation or requirement that something should have worked, whereas "did not function" is a more neutral statement. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Can "fail to function" apply to abstract concepts or only physical objects?

While often used with physical objects, "fail to function" can also apply to abstract concepts like systems or processes. For example: "The communication system "failed to function effectively"".