failed to enter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to enter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone or something did not successfully gain access or make an entry into a place, system, or event. Example: "She failed to enter the competition due to a missed deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The London declaration failed to enter into force, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shad's knottiest problem, and why she has failed to enter the piscatorial pantheon, is her bones.

The New York Times - Magazine

Kaiser, for example, has tried but failed to enter more local markets.

Harvard Business Review

It failed to enter the regular repertory in the years following its 1845 Naples premiere.

The Guardian - Music

A series of tam mutants failed to enter meiosis II and thus produced diploid spores and functional diploid gametes.

Stanford University

T cells deficient in sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor type 1 probed the sinus surface but failed to enter the sinuses.

Stanford University

In previous attacks, bombers usually failed to enter church buildings, instead detonating their explosives at entrances or in parking lots.

The New York Times

A hint of carelessness crept into the Scherzo: at several crucial moments, the strings failed to enter as one.

The New Yorker

Notable exclusions included Miley Cyrus and Kanye West, who failed to enter the top ten tracks or albums list.

Independent

If the company failed to enter into buyout discussions, they said, they would move to oust its management and board.

The New York Times

Almost half of mixed state schools in England failed to enter a single girl for A-level physics.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failed to enter" to clearly and directly indicate that something or someone did not succeed in gaining access or participating. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid embedding "failed to enter" in overly complex sentences, as it can reduce clarity. Instead, break down the sentence for better readability. For example, instead of "The project, having failed to enter its final phase due to unforeseen complications, was ultimately abandoned", try "The project failed to enter its final phase due to unforeseen complications. It was ultimately abandoned."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to enter" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It indicates the lack of success in an attempt to gain access or participate in something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to enter" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that effectively communicates the lack of success in gaining access or participating in something. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from formal to informal, although it's mostly used in News & Media and Science contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adapted to various writing styles, but ensure that its use doesn't lead to convoluted sentence structures. Using related alternatives, like "did not enter" or "was unable to enter", can add nuance and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not enter

Uses a more direct negative form of the verb "enter".

was unable to enter

Emphasizes the lack of capability to enter.

did not gain entry

Focuses on the lack of successful entry.

was unsuccessful in entering

Highlights the lack of success in the act of entering.

could not get in

An informal way of expressing the inability to enter.

was denied access

Indicates that entry was actively prevented.

missed out on entering

Highlights the lost opportunity to enter.

did not qualify to enter

Specifies a lack of qualification as the reason for not entering.

was precluded from entering

Indicates that something prevented the entry.

stopped before entering

Focuses on interrupting before reaching the entrance.

FAQs

How can I use "failed to enter" in a sentence?

You can use "failed to enter" to describe situations where something or someone was unable to gain access or successfully participate. For instance, "The company "failed to enter" the new market" or "The athlete "failed to enter" the competition due to injury".

What are some alternatives to "failed to enter"?

Some alternatives include "did not enter", "was unable to enter", or "did not gain entry". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "failed to enter" formal or informal?

"Failed to enter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very informal settings, you might prefer phrases like "could not get in" or "didn't make it in".

What's the difference between "failed to enter" and "refused to enter"?

"Failed to enter" implies an inability or lack of success in entering, while "refused to enter" indicates a deliberate choice not to enter. One suggests a lack of capability, while the other suggests a conscious decision.