fails to generate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to generate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where something does not produce the expected result or outcome. Example: "The new marketing strategy fails to generate the anticipated sales growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If in the following the generic algorithm fails to generate a set of coordinates which correspond to a collision free layout the FF method is called.

Chemistry Central Journal

But there's something unhealthy about a genre that persistently fails to generate exciting new work.

The Guardian

An understandable dilemma, yet it fails to generate much narrative tension.

The New Yorker

Quantitative easing is an example of economic activity that fails to generate such additional wealth.

The Guardian - Business

If it turns out that 18 months of growth fails to generate meaningful gains for households, David Cameron will be incredibly exposed.

The Guardian - Business

(Andy Webster) 'DUST' Billy Goda's new thriller about the escalating conflict between a rich man and a janitor fails to generate much heat.

The New York Times

Our reviewer praises Smith Rakoff's command of the era's "zeitgeist," but finds the characters "indistinguishable in their blandness," and notes that the narrative "fails to generate much tension".

The New Yorker

Her service motion is awkward, as Errani opens her racket face to the sky on the takeback, and she fails to generate much racket head speed on impact.

The New York Times

But while the enterprise fails to generate profits, it delivers other, greater, rewards, both lofty (fulfillment of a vision) and mundane (an understanding of coins and counting).

The New York Times - Books

The romance between Harriet and Winsor, after some initial flame, fails to generate much heat, and the ultimate resolution of her romantic troubles seems hasty.

The New York Times - Books

Bits and pieces of the story merge and splinter, compelled less by the psychological fissures of the characters than by a screenplay that wails with emotionalism but fails to generate any real feeling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fails to generate" to emphasize a lack of expected output or outcome, particularly when the expectation is strong or the process should naturally lead to generation.

Common error

Avoid using "fails to generate" when a simpler negation suffices. Instead of "The machine fails to generate power", consider "The machine does not generate power" for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to generate" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a lack of production or creation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in English. Examples show it describes when something doesn't produce the expected result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

2.5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.8%

Wiki

0.8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fails to generate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it effectively communicates a lack of expected production or creation. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. When writing, consider simpler alternatives for conciseness and ensure the subject's role is clear. Given its frequent use and clear meaning, "fails to generate" serves as a valuable tool for expressing negative outcomes in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not produce

Replaces "fails to" with a more direct negative, maintaining the core meaning.

is unable to create

Substitutes "generate" with "create" and "fails" with "is unable", focusing on the lack of ability.

does not yield

Replaces "generate" with "yield", suggesting a lack of outcome or result.

is deficient in producing

Highlights a deficiency or lack in the ability to produce something.

falls short of creating

Emphasizes the failure to reach a certain level of creation or production.

cannot bring about

Focuses on the inability to cause or initiate the generation of something.

is unproductive in creating

Highlights the lack of productivity in generating the desired outcome.

lacks the capacity to generate

Emphasizes the absence of the required capacity or ability.

is unsuccessful in producing

Focuses on the lack of success in the process of production.

proves incapable of generating

Highlights the demonstrated inability to generate something.

FAQs

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

Use "fails to generate" to describe situations where something does not produce an expected result or outcome. For example, "The new marketing strategy "fails to generate" the anticipated sales growth."

What are some alternatives to "fails to generate"?

You can use alternatives like "does not produce", "is unable to create", or "does not yield" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "fails to generate" or "doesn't generate"?

"Fails to generate" and "doesn't generate" are often interchangeable, but "fails to generate" can emphasize a more significant or unexpected lack of production. Choose the option that best fits the tone and emphasis of your writing.

What's the difference between "fails to generate" and "is designed to generate"?

"Fails to generate" indicates a lack of production or creation, while "is designed to generate" indicates an intention or purpose to produce something. They are contrasting phrases that highlight opposite outcomes or intentions.