fails to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you want to convey that something does not or is not the thing indicated. For example, "The new product fails to be a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even prison fails to be an exception to this rule.

The Guardian - Books

But if "Just Cause" entertains, it fails to be memorable.

The New York Times

The long wait never fails to be worth it.

Independent

Certainly, the ride's video promo utterly fails to be frightening.

The Guardian - Film

We exhibit annuli domains for which the comparison theorem fails to be true.

Journal of Functional Analysis

As a consequence, the associated Cauchy initial value problem fails to be well-posed.

Journal of Functional Analysis

For these algebras, the standard 2×2 matrix symbol fails to be symmetric.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Human chronic pain fails to be effectively controlled by available drugs.

Drug Discovery Today: Therapeutic Strategies

So they really do recognize when the information fails to be informed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's lyrical, yet fails to be sculptural or dynamise the space.

The Guardian - Arts

Service can be ungracious as it tries but fails to be efficient.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fails to be" when you want to express that something does not meet a certain expectation or standard. It is suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

While "fails to be" is correct, avoid stringing together multiple negative constructions in the same sentence. Overuse can make your writing sound awkward and difficult to understand. Consider rephrasing to use a more direct positive statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to be" functions as a copular verb phrase, connecting a subject with a subject complement that describes a state or quality that the subject does not attain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

54%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fails to be" is a grammatically sound phrase employed to express a lack of achievement or a deviation from an expected state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is deemed correct and usable. It sees common application across diverse writing styles, including science, news, and academic contexts. While suitable for formal use, it maintains a generally neutral tone. When using the phrase "fails to be", ensure it aligns with the intended emphasis on unmet expectations, and avoid overuse of negative constructions to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives such as "does not achieve" or "falls short of being" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not achieve

This alternative focuses on the lack of accomplishment of a goal.

falls short of being

This phrase indicates a failure to reach a required standard or level.

is not successful in being

This phrase emphasizes the lack of success in achieving a certain state.

is deficient in

This alternative emphasizes a specific lack or shortage.

does not manage to be

This alternative highlights a lack of ability or effort in attaining a specific state.

lacks the quality of

This phrase focuses on the absence of a particular characteristic or attribute.

proves to be lacking

This phrase focuses on the demonstration of a deficiency or absence of something.

is unable to reach

This alternative highlights an inability to attain a certain level or standard.

turns out not to be

This alternative emphasizes a discovery or realization that something is not as expected.

omits to be

This phrase suggests that something has been left out

FAQs

How can I use "fails to be" in a sentence?

The phrase "fails to be" is used to indicate that something does not achieve a certain quality or state. For example, "The attempt "fails to be" successful" or "The movie "fails to be" entertaining."

What are some alternatives to "fails to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "does not achieve", "is not successful in being", or "falls short of being".

Is it better to use "fails to be" or "fails to become"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""fails to be"" emphasizes a lack of existing quality, while "fails to become" focuses on a failure to reach a future state.

What is the difference between "fails to be" and "is not"?

"Fails to be" suggests a stronger sense of shortcoming or inadequacy than a simple "is not". "Is not" is a more general negation, while ""fails to be"" often implies a disappointment or unmet expectation.