failing that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failing that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an alternative course of action if the first option is not successful or available. Example: "We can meet at the café at 3 PM; failing that, we can reschedule for tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or failing that, ask Rihanna instead.

The Guardian

And failing that, well..

Huffington Post

Or, failing that, explode.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're failing that test.

The Guardian

or failing that, clarityn...".

The Guardian - Sport

Or failing that, bourbons.

The Guardian

Or failing that, 2C.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or failing that, a fight.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or failing that, the Friends theme tune.

The Guardian

And failing that, there's always the internet.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or failing that, high-tech earplugs?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failing that" to clearly present an alternative course of action when the primary option is unlikely or impossible to achieve.

Common error

Avoid using "failing that" when the alternative is equally preferable to the first option. "Failing that" implies a degree of compromise or lesser desirability in the subsequent action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failing that" functions as a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it introduces an alternative action or possibility when the initial one is not viable. It connects two clauses, indicating a secondary plan.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failing that" is a versatile connector used to introduce an alternative when the primary option is not feasible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, especially in news and media. It serves to provide contingency plans or backup options, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When writing, remember that alternatives like "if that doesn't work" or "alternatively" can offer similar meanings, but it's important to consider the context and the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternatively

This single-word substitute provides a concise way to introduce another possibility.

if that doesn't work

This alternative is less formal and more direct in indicating a fallback plan.

as an alternative

This alternative directly points out the option that follows is meant to be the alternative choice.

as a second option

This phrase explicitly states that the following action is a secondary choice.

or as a backup

This alternative makes it clear that the option that follows is a backup plan.

if all else fails

This phrase suggests a sense of last resort when all other options have been exhausted.

if the former is not possible

This alternative is used to refer to the first option when multiple options were just mentioned, emphasizing the lack of possibility.

in the absence of that

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the lack of the first option.

if that is not feasible

This phrase highlights the impracticality or impossibility of the initial option.

should that not be the case

This option is more formal and conditional, suggesting a possible but not guaranteed scenario.

FAQs

How can I use "failing that" in a sentence?

Use "failing that" to introduce a secondary option when the primary one is not possible or doesn't work. For example, "We can try to fix it ourselves; "failing that", we'll call a professional."

What's a more formal alternative to "failing that"?

A more formal alternative is "in the absence of that". It conveys a similar meaning but is suitable for professional or academic writing.

How does "failing that" differ from "otherwise"?

"Failing that" specifically implies the failure or unavailability of a prior option, whereas "otherwise" presents a general alternative, regardless of the first option's success. They are often interchangeable, but "failing that" has a stronger connotation of needing a backup plan.

Can I use "failing that" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "failing that" can start a sentence to introduce an alternative action or possibility. For example: "We can try to negotiate a better deal. "Failing that", we'll walk away."