failed to work

USAGE SUMMARY

"failed to work" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which somebody or something was unable to finish or achieve what was intended. For example: The new machine failed to work, so we had to abandon the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Health care providers failed to work together".

The New York Times - Health

Cellphones failed to work for many people.

The New York Times

Shower heads sometimes failed to work.

The Guardian - Travel

They sold their land, got into debt, failed to work.

The Economist

Yet, significantly, for Brasillach the trick failed to work.

The Economist

In other words, the disclosure failed to work.

The New York Times

One night he took an Ambien, which failed to work.

The New York Times

But those market forces often failed to work as hoped.

The New York Times

Small radio in Smoke Room of Exchange failed to work.

The New Yorker

Too often, they failed to work deep counts.

The New York Times - Sports

Predictably, the National Unity Government failed to work.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system failure, use "failed to work" to clearly indicate that it did not perform as expected. Be specific about why it failed if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to work" when describing abstract failures, such as emotional or social outcomes. Instead, opt for phrases like "didn't resonate" or "proved ineffective" to better suit the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to work" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the inability of something to perform its intended function or achieve a desired outcome. It is commonly used to describe the malfunction or ineffectiveness of a system, process, or object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failed to work" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase to indicate that something did not function as intended. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it appears more frequently in news and media and scientific publications. Related phrases, such as "didn't function" or "proved ineffective", offer alternative ways to express a similar meaning with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, it's best to be clear about why something "failed to work", and avoid using it in highly abstract or emotional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't function

Replaces "failed to work" with a more direct description of non-functionality.

proved ineffective

Emphasizes the lack of desired effect or result.

was unsuccessful

Highlights the absence of a positive outcome.

didn't succeed

Indicates a lack of achievement or accomplishment.

fell short

Implies that something did not reach the required standard or expectation.

broke down

Suggests a sudden or unexpected cessation of operation.

malfunctioned

Specifically refers to a problem with the way something operates.

ceased operating

Formal way of saying something stopped working.

was inoperative

A formal term indicating that something is not working or cannot be used.

came to nothing

Indicates that efforts or plans did not produce any results.

FAQs

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

You can use "failed to work" to describe situations where something didn't function as intended. For instance, "The new software patch "failed to work", causing more problems than it solved".

What are some alternatives to "failed to work"?

Alternatives include phrases like "didn't function", "proved ineffective", or "was unsuccessful", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "failed to work"?

"Failed to work" is suitable when describing a process, system, or mechanism that did not function properly or produce the desired outcome. It's less appropriate for describing interpersonal relationships or abstract concepts, where different phrasing might be more effective.

Is "failed to work" formal or informal?

"Failed to work" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise or technical language might be preferred in highly formal or scientific writing.