failed to move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something did not succeed in making progress or taking action. Example: "Despite the urgency of the situation, the team failed to move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Others have failed to move on.

The New York Times - Books

Occupying Frankfort, Kentucky, Bragg failed to move promptly against Louisville.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her justifications and her tears failed to move him.

The Guardian - Books

It has failed to move the country forward.

The Guardian

But even that formula has failed to move the Chinese, at least so far.

The New York Times

We have failed to move ourselves on from where we were in government".

Independent

For the fourth time, the Red Sox 22-233) failed to move above.500.500

The New York Times - Sports

He said the Celtics failed to move the ball enough or involve Garnett enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Having failed to move outside its home market, Hershey needs a deal even more than Cadbury.

The Economist

Interestingly another fifth failed to move because they just got tired of chasing short-term bonuses.

Independent

Mr. Margiotta said that when the county failed to move them voluntarily, his office filed suit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to move", ensure the context clearly indicates what was expected to move or progress. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to move" when a temporary delay is intended; reserve it for situations where the lack of movement represents a significant problem or irreversible outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to move" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig AI validates its use to describe a lack of progress or physical displacement, often implying an expectation that movement should have occurred.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to move" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe both physical and abstract instances of non-movement or a lack of progress. As validated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across varied contexts, particularly in news media and scientific writing. It carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for formal and informal settings alike. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what entity was expected to move and why its failure to do so is significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not budge

Emphasizes a complete lack of movement or change in opinion.

did not progress

Focuses on the lack of advancement or development.

remained stagnant

Highlights a state of inactivity and lack of forward motion.

could not advance

Indicates an inability to proceed or make headway.

did not shift

Stresses the absence of a change in position or perspective.

did not influence

Highlights a lack of impact or persuasive power.

did not motivate

Focuses on the inability to inspire action or change.

proved ineffective

Emphasizes the lack of desired results or impact.

ground to a halt

Suggests a complete cessation of movement or progress.

came to nothing

Indicates a failure to achieve a desired outcome or result.

FAQs

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

You can use "failed to move" to describe an object that did not physically displace, like "The car "failed to move" despite repeated attempts to start it" or an abstract concept that did not progress, like "The negotiations "failed to move" forward".

What can I say instead of "failed to move"?

Alternatives include "did not budge", "did not progress", or "remained stagnant" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "failed to move" or "unable to move"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of movement, "failed to move" often implies an expectation or attempt to move that was unsuccessful. "Unable to move" simply suggests an incapacity to move, without necessarily implying a prior attempt.

Can "failed to move" apply to both physical objects and abstract concepts?

Yes, "failed to move" can be used in both contexts. It can describe a physical object that didn't change position, or an abstract concept like a plan, negotiation, or idea that didn't progress or gain traction.