failed to terminate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to terminate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a process, program, or action did not come to an end as expected. Example: "The system encountered an error and failed to terminate, causing a delay in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Interestingly, rickettsial growth in the hen egg yolk sac generated RNAs that, in all but one case (RP826), failed to terminate at an intrinsic termination site, possibly reflecting a more suitable rickettsial growth environment.

Plosone

In 40 h pupae, R7 and R8 terminations were largely normal, but there were projections which misrouted and failed to terminate correctly (Figure 6D F, Table 1).

Plosone

If the first assigned medication failed to terminate VT, the patient was crossed over to the alternative therapy.

The American Journal of Cardiology

R7 and R8 projections to the medulla in 40h pupae failed to terminate correctly and projected beyond normal targets to inappropriate regions within the brain.

Plosone

Before 1999, patients were treated with thiopental, when phenytoin and high doses of midazolam had failed to terminate the status.

Critical Care

In ten other animals, sCPR was stopped when the first two defibrillations at 200 J failed to terminate VF or resulted in asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA).

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This occurs when transcription fails to terminate at a transcription termination site and therefore the nascent transcript is extended until the termination site of the next gene.

BMC Genomics

However, in languages such as Haskell strict operations fail to terminate even on infinite regular data, that is, cyclic data.

Computer Languages, Systems & Structures

A fraction of ribosomes engaged in translation will fail to terminate when reaching a stop codon, yielding nascent proteins inappropriately extended on their C termini.

Stanford University

However, when applied to a pair of line segments with an irrational ratio, such as Square root of√2 and 1, it fails to terminate.

Britannica

However, when applied to a pair of line segments with an irrational ratio, such as √2 and 1, it fails to terminate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to terminate", ensure the context clearly indicates what process, action, or program did not end as expected. Using specific language enhances clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "failed to terminate" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't end" or "didn't stop" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to terminate" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It indicates that an action, process, or system did not reach its intended or expected end. Ludwig confirms the validity of this phrase in multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to terminate" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the lack of completion of a process or action. As shown by Ludwig, it's most frequently encountered in scientific and formal contexts, and, less common in informal conversation. While accurate, consider the audience and context to determine if a simpler alternative might be more appropriate. The analysis confirms that while widely valid, the setting affects proper use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not end

This alternative is a more direct and simpler way of saying something didn't come to a conclusion.

did not stop

This alternative focuses on the lack of cessation, emphasizing the continuation of something.

was unable to conclude

This alternative emphasizes the inability to reach a final point.

was unsuccessful in stopping

This alternative highlights the lack of success in bringing something to a halt.

did not cease

This formal alternative emphasizes the lack of ending or discontinuing something.

did not resolve

This alternative focuses on the lack of resolution or solution.

was not brought to an end

This passive alternative emphasizes the lack of termination by an external force.

proved incapable of finishing

This alternative underscores the inability to finalize or complete something.

left uncompleted

This emphasizes the state of being unfinished or uncompleted.

discontinued

This alternative is direct and specifies that something that was happening has been halted.

FAQs

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

Use "failed to terminate" to describe a process, action, or program that did not come to its intended conclusion. For example, "The program encountered an error and "failed to terminate", causing a system malfunction."

What are some alternatives to "failed to terminate"?

You can use alternatives like "did not end", "did not stop", or "was unable to conclude" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "failed at terminating" instead of "failed to terminate"?

While "failed at terminating" isn't incorrect, ""failed to terminate"" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. "Failed at" often implies an attempt was made, while "failed to" simply indicates a lack of completion.

What's the difference between "failed to terminate" and "terminated prematurely"?

"Failed to terminate" means something did not end at all, or in the expected way, while "terminated prematurely" means something did end, but before its intended completion. The first suggests a lack of conclusion, the second, an early conclusion.