failed to score

USAGE SUMMARY

"failed to score" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something did not achieve a desired outcome or goal. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as sports, academics, or personal achievements. Example: Despite numerous attempts, the team failed to score a single point in the second half of the game, resulting in their defeat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But they failed to score.

The New York Times - Sports

But the team failed to score.

The New Yorker

Manchester United failed to score.

The Guardian - Sport

Combined they failed to score 1 point.

The New York Times - Sports

Even then Florida failed to score.

The New York Times - Sports

Four times, the Jays failed to score.

The Guardian - Sport

Both times, they failed to score.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, they have failed to score in nine of those.

The Guardian - Sport

Indiana failed to score, leaving James one chance at redemption.

The New York Times - Sports

Vonn has failed to score points in three straight races.

The New York Times - Sports

Houston failed to score on two possessions in overtime.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting sports results, use "failed to score" to clearly and concisely indicate that a team or player did not achieve any points or goals during a specified period.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to score" when "refused to score" is more appropriate. "Failed to score" indicates inability, while "refused to score" implies a deliberate choice not to score.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to score" functions as a verb phrase indicating the inability or lack of success in achieving a score. As seen in Ludwig, it is commonly used to describe sports outcomes or performance metrics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failed to score" is a grammatically sound and very common verb phrase used primarily in news and media, especially in sports reporting. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to succinctly communicate the absence of scoring in a particular situation. While its usage is generally neutral, careful attention should be paid to avoid confusion with similar phrases like "refused to score". Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, reinforcing its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not achieve a score

Replaces "failed" with a more direct statement of non-achievement; retains the core meaning.

were unable to score

Uses "unable" to express the inability to score; slightly more formal.

did not register any points

Substitutes "score" with "register any points"; emphasizes the lack of recorded points.

left without scoring

Focuses on the absence of scoring at the end of an event or period.

were unsuccessful in scoring

More verbose way of saying "failed to score", indicating lack of success.

finished scoreless

Describes the final state of a game or period where no score was achieved.

missed the opportunity to score

Highlights the lost chance to achieve a score.

were shut out

Uses sports-specific terminology to indicate a complete inability to score.

could not find the net

Sports-related expression for not being able to score, particularly in sports with nets.

drew a blank

Emphasizes complete failure to score or achieve any result.

FAQs

What does "failed to score" mean?

The phrase "failed to score" means that someone or something was unable to achieve any points, goals, or runs in a particular context, often related to sports.

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

You can use "failed to score" to describe a team's or player's inability to achieve points, such as: "Despite their efforts, the team failed to score in the second half."

What are some alternatives to "failed to score"?

Alternatives include "did not score", "were unable to score", or "remained scoreless", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "failed to score" in formal writing?

Yes, "failed to score" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly in news reports, sports journalism, and analytical pieces where a clear and concise description of the outcome is needed.