failing the test

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failing the test" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the outcome of an assessment or evaluation where the individual did not meet the required standards. Example: "After studying for weeks, I was disappointed to find that I was failing the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If you fail with few mistakes, you may take the test again in a week or less; failing the test with several mistakes may result in waiting a few weeks to retake the test.

WikiHow

Is George Osborne failing the test?

The Guardian

If so, the post-Communist world is failing the test.

The New York Times

Despite the growing number of students failing the test, there has been remarkably little protest.

The New York Times

Each year produced a higher percentage of people failing the test than the previous year.

The New York Times

For NGOs and aid agencies, the bloc is fast failing the test.

The Guardian

Shirahama is full of timeless natural wonders that are failing the test of time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Those failing the test will be allowed to take it a second time before having to pay another $50 fee.

The New York Times

Since then, eleven horses have gone to post with the Triple Crown on the line, all failing the test.

The New Yorker

The judge recommended the dismissal of all disciplinary charges against Mr. Sander, who was suspended after failing the test.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I can't say I'll never take them, but I haven't taken anything since then [ failing the test]," he added.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing consequences, use "failing the test" to clearly indicate the negative outcome. For example, "Failing the test may result in having to retake the course."

Common error

Ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is "failing the test". Vague references can lead to confusion. For example, specify "the student is failing the test" rather than just "is failing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failing the test" functions as a gerund phrase, where "failing" acts as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act of not passing an assessment. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

27%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failing the test" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of not meeting the required standards in an assessment or evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's prevalent across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is "failing the test" to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "not passing the test" or "flunking the test" exist, "failing the test" remains a versatile and widely understood way to convey a negative outcome in an evaluative scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not passing the test

Replaces the gerund "failing" with the negative "not passing", maintaining a similar meaning.

flunking the test

Uses a more informal verb "flunking" instead of "failing", suggesting a similar outcome.

not succeeding in the test

Substitutes "failing" with the more formal "not succeeding", conveying the same result.

performing poorly on the test

Focuses on the performance aspect, indicating a lack of success on the test.

doing badly on the test

Emphasizes the negative outcome using "doing badly", similar to failing.

not measuring up in the test

Implies a failure to meet the required standards or expectations in the test.

proving inadequate on the test

Highlights the inadequacy of the performance, leading to a failure.

being unsuccessful on the test

Replaces "failing" with "being unsuccessful", maintaining a formal tone.

getting a failing grade on the test

Specifically refers to the grade received, indicating a failure in the test.

not achieving a passing score on the test

Focuses on the lack of a passing score, directly indicating failure.

FAQs

What does "failing the test" mean?

The phrase "failing the test" means not achieving a passing grade or not meeting the required standards on an examination, assessment, or evaluation.

What are some alternatives to saying "failing the test"?

You can use alternatives like "not passing the test", "flunking the test", or "not succeeding in the test" depending on the context.

How to use "failing the test" in a sentence?

You can use "failing the test" in sentences such as "Despite studying hard, she ended up failing the test" or "The consequences of failing the test are severe."

Is it always negative to talk about "failing the test"?

Yes, "failing the test" always carries a negative connotation as it indicates a lack of success or achievement in a specific evaluation or assessment. However, it can also be a learning opportunity.