failed to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to keep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an inability to maintain or uphold something, such as a promise, commitment, or standard. Example: "He failed to keep his promise to attend the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Economies scrambled and failed to keep up.

The New York Times - Books

Marks have failed to keep up.

The Guardian - Business

He failed to keep the appointment.

The Guardian

We have failed to keep that promise.

The New York Times

Wages have failed to keep up with productivity.

The New York Times

Contrary to expectations, younger respondents failed to keep up.

The New York Times

Russia has failed to keep its customers happy.

The Economist

But the capital's transport systems have failed to keep pace.

The Economist

It has repeatedly failed to keep civilians safe.

The Economist

It is a promise he failed to keep.

The Guardian

We have failed to keep up any pressure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to keep", ensure the context clearly indicates what was not maintained or upheld. For example, "The company failed to keep its promise to reduce emissions."

Common error

Avoid using "failed to keep" without specifying the object of failure. For instance, instead of saying "The project failed to keep", clarify with "The project failed to keep within budget."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to keep" functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of success in maintaining, upholding, or fulfilling something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used. The examples showcase a wide range of applications, from broken promises to unmet standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failed to keep" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the lack of success in maintaining, upholding, or fulfilling something. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is neutral, the phrase often carries a tone of disappointment or criticism. When using "failed to keep", ensure clarity by specifying the object of failure, and consider alternatives like "did not uphold" or "neglected to maintain" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not uphold

Focuses on the lack of adherence to a standard or principle.

fell short of honoring

Indicates a failure to fulfill a commitment or promise.

neglected to maintain

Emphasizes a lack of attention or care in maintaining something.

did not comply with

Focuses on the lack of conformity to a rule or regulation.

could not sustain

Stresses the lack of capacity to support or prolong something.

was unable to preserve

Highlights the inability to protect or save something from decline.

omitted to safeguard

Highlights the act of not protecting something.

proved incapable of retaining

Emphasizes a lack of capacity to hold onto something.

lost the ability to conserve

Indicates a loss of the skill to preserve something.

was deficient in protecting

Highlights the lack of an adequate defense for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "failed to keep" to describe not upholding a commitment, standard, or promise. For example: "The government "failed to keep" its promise to lower taxes."

What are some alternatives to "failed to keep"?

Alternatives include "did not uphold", "neglected to maintain", or "was unable to preserve" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "failed to keep" and "failed to maintain"?

"Failed to keep" is broader, while "failed to maintain" implies a continuous effort that wasn't sustained. You might say "He "failed to keep" his word" but "The city "failed to maintain" the roads".

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

"Failed to keep" often implies a stronger sense of responsibility or expectation. "Did not keep" is a more neutral statement of fact. The best choice depends on the intended emphasis.