failing this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failing this" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that if a certain condition is not met or if something does not happen, an alternative action or consequence will follow. Example: "Please submit your report by Friday; failing this, you may not receive credit for the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We are failing this generation, " she said.

The New York Times

But it seems to be failing this time.

The Economist

But even failing this there are things we can do.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, it said failing this, "a civil bill will be issued".

Independent

It is therefore desirable to determine approximate analytical solutions or, failing this, bounds for the exact numerical solution.

Chemical Engineering Science

In this paper, we give examples of B-hyperreflexive spaces, as well as of spaces failing this property.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Globalisation was failing this promise, and the gap between rich and poor was getting wider.

The Guardian

"Too many of the kids are failing this test," Mr. Levine said.

The New York Times

Indeed, the China model appears to be failing this stress test.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

My failing this year is that I haven't made as many putts.

The New York Times - Sports

More than his 3-9 record, his greatest failing this year was his inability to create any sort of buzz.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failing this", ensure the context clearly establishes the primary action or condition that must occur first. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the alternative action is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "failing this" when the primary condition is vague or undefined. Always make sure the initial condition is explicitly stated to prevent confusion about what must 'fail' before the alternative action takes place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failing this" functions as a transitional phrase, introducing an alternative action or outcome if the preceding condition is not fulfilled. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failing this" is a grammatically sound and versatile transitional phrase used to introduce alternative actions or outcomes when a preceding condition is not met. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

It is commonly found in news, scientific, and general writing, offering a concise way to present contingency plans. When using "failing this", ensure the initial condition is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "otherwise" or "if that fails" can be used for clarity or stylistic variation. This phrase is best suited for situations where a clear sequence of events is being described, and a backup plan needs to be articulated succinctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Otherwise

Offers a concise alternative, suitable for simple conditionals.

If that fails

Directly addresses the failure of a previous attempt, maintaining a straightforward approach.

If that doesn't work

Focuses on the failure of a specific action, adding a practical tone.

If not

A brief and direct substitution, appropriate for casual or quick communication.

If that is not the case

Presents a more formal and general condition.

Should that not happen

Adds a sense of uncertainty to the conditional, softening the implication of failure.

In the alternative

Suggests a choice between two possibilities, emphasizing a deliberate shift.

Barring that

Suggests that an event is prevented, adding a sense of exception.

Absent that

Provides a more literary or formal substitute, implying the lack of a necessary condition.

Short of that

Highlights the deficiency needed for a certain event, adding a tone of inadequacy.

FAQs

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

Use "failing this" to introduce an alternative action or outcome if the preceding condition is not met. For example, "Please submit your application by Friday; "failing this", it will not be considered."

What are some alternatives to using "failing this"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "otherwise", "if that fails", or "in the alternative" to express a similar conditional relationship.

Is it more appropriate to use "failing this" or "if this fails"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "failing this" is often perceived as slightly more formal or concise. "If this fails" may be clearer in simpler contexts, while "failing this" can add a touch of sophistication to your writing.

When should I avoid using "failing this"?

Avoid using "failing this" when the connection between the primary condition and the alternative action is not immediately clear. In such cases, using a more explicit phrase like "if that doesn't work" or "otherwise" can improve clarity.