failings to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failings to be" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incomplete or incorrect construction and does not convey a clear meaning. Example: "His failings to be honest ultimately cost him his job."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It would also enable the intelligence failings to be fully assessed.

The Guardian

He views political depredations as inseparable from intimate ones, public failings to be inextricable from private attitudes, and he invents a cinematic style to match.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Somehow, in failing to be like his father, Harry has failed to be a "real" man.

Independent

By failing to be timely, they succeeded in being timeless.

The Guardian - Music

But there are worse fates for a Presidential candidate, including failing to be outspoken.

The New Yorker

He was succeeded by Michael Portillo, who then left politics after failing to be elected Conservative leader.

Independent

Mr. Rajoy's camp does not see any problem in failing to be upfront.

The New York Times

Farrell now will end his term in July after failing to be re-elected.

The Guardian

Elsewhere, a few directors seem to have lost their jobs for failing to be sufficiently vigilant.

The New York Times

membership and by failing to be the arsenal of Taiwan's democracy.

The New York Times

Industry commentators said they expected the decline in the number of companies failing to be temporary.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the awkward phrase "failings to be", opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "failures to become" or "shortcomings in being". This ensures your writing is easily understood and avoids potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex phrasing like "failings to be" when simpler, more direct alternatives are available. Prioritize clarity and conciseness in your writing to effectively convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failings to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, suggesting a state of deficiency or an inability to reach a certain condition. Ludwig AI confirms that this construction is not standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failings to be" is an uncommon and grammatically questionable construction in English. Ludwig AI indicates that it is not considered standard English. While it attempts to convey a sense of deficiency or inability to achieve a state, clearer alternatives such as "failures to become" or "shortcomings in being" are preferable. Its use is infrequent across different contexts, including news, media, and scientific writing. Due to its awkwardness, it is best avoided in formal writing to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failures to achieve

Focuses on the lack of accomplishment, emphasizing the missed target or objective.

inabilities to become

Highlights the lack of capacity or power to transform into something else.

shortcomings in being

Emphasizes inherent flaws or deficiencies in one's state or nature.

deficiencies in existence

Points to fundamental lacks or inadequacies in the way something exists or functions.

lacking the capacity to be

Highlights the absence of essential skills and traits needed to exist.

failing in the attempt to be

Stresses the unsuccessful effort to achieve a desired condition or identity.

not succeeding in becoming

Focuses on the lack of success in a process of transformation or development.

limitations in their ability to be

Indicates constraints or restrictions that hinder the potential for existence.

difficulties in managing to be

Highlights challenges and obstacles in maintaining a state of existence.

struggling to embody

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty to incarnate.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "failings to be"?

You can use alternatives like "failures to achieve", "shortcomings in being", or "inabilities to become" depending on the context.

Is "failings to be" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "failings to be" is not correct in standard written English. It's better to use clearer alternatives.

How can I improve my writing to avoid phrases like "failings to be"?

Focus on using precise and direct language. When you find yourself using complex phrasing, try to break it down into simpler components. Consider using a thesaurus to find more appropriate and concise alternatives.

In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "failings to be", and why is it problematic?

While you might occasionally encounter the phrase "failings to be" in informal or non-edited content, it is generally problematic due to its awkwardness and lack of clarity. It's best to avoid it in formal writing.