failed to get

USAGE SUMMARY

"failed to get" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that a particular goal or objective was not achieved. For example: "I failed to get the job I wanted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Failed to get bird.

The New Yorker

Maria Shwalb failed to get a single one.

The New Yorker

Hiler failed to get her photo.

The Guardian

He failed to get that vote.

The Guardian - Tech

I failed to get into law school.

The New York Times

Urquhart failed to get elected also.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even that failed to get anyone's attention.

The New York Times

They failed to get an Ophrysia superciliosa.

The New Yorker

But elsewhere critics failed to get their way.

The Economist

Only the hard-money men have failed to get it.

The New York Times

Taylor failed to get a record company to take it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when deciding whether to use the phrase. In formal writing, more sophisticated language may be needed.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to get" when a stronger verb phrase like "rejected" or "denied" would more accurately reflect the situation. Using more precise language will improve the impact and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to get" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a main verb with an infinitive complement. It expresses the inability or lack of success in obtaining something or achieving a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to get" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a lack of success in obtaining something or achieving a goal. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, from news reports to more informal conversations. While primarily found in neutral registers, the level of formality depends on the surrounding vocabulary. If you need to diversify your writing, consider alternatives such as "did not obtain" or "was unable to achieve". Remember to be specific about what someone "failed to get" and to choose vocabulary that matches the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't succeed in getting

A more conversational alternative that still conveys the lack of success.

did not obtain

Replaces "failed to get" with a more formal synonym for not receiving something.

was unable to achieve

Focuses on the inability to reach a specific goal or outcome.

was unsuccessful in acquiring

Emphasizes the lack of success in achieving the acquisition of something.

did not manage to secure

Highlights the lack of ability to secure or ensure something.

fell short of attaining

Indicates that the effort to attain something did not fully succeed.

could not procure

Replaces "get" with a more formal synonym emphasizing the effort to obtain something.

missed out on acquiring

Suggests a lost opportunity to acquire something.

was denied

Focuses on being refused something rather than a lack of personal success.

proved incapable of receiving

Highlights the inability to receive something, emphasizing a lack of capacity.

FAQs

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

The phrase "failed to get" is typically used to indicate that someone was unsuccessful in obtaining something or achieving a particular outcome. For example, "She "failed to get" the promotion despite her hard work".

What are some alternatives to "failed to get"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "did not obtain", "was unable to achieve", or "didn't succeed in getting".

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

"Failed to get" implies an attempt was made, while "did not get" is more neutral and doesn't necessarily imply an effort. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the attempt and subsequent lack of success.

What's the difference between "failed to get" and "failed to achieve"?

"Failed to get" often refers to obtaining something tangible or intangible, while "failed to achieve" typically refers to reaching a specific goal or outcome. While there is overlap, "failed to achieve" often has a broader scope.