fails to happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an expected event or outcome does not occur. Example: "If the meeting fails to happen, we will need to reschedule for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

This is the moment when "change" either happens or fails to happen.

The New York Times

It is a homecoming that almost fails to happen when a plummeting swan causes a minor collision.

The Guardian - Books

Melatonin release fails to happen at night as it should, and the natural rhythm of core body temperature is disturbed.

The Washington Post

If that fails to happen, share prices may slump and the pace of mergers slow.Then there is the old, nagging question about whether mergers make business sense.

The Economist

When this fails to happen, as it did in the case of Darryl Stingley on Aug. 12, 1978, our frailty shows through the masquerade of pads and numbers and face masks and helmets, the fake armor of invincibility.

The New York Times - Sports

In an interview, Dr. Nelson suggested that the normal "pruning process" -- the loss of extraneous neurons and connections that occur as children mature and gain experience -- fails to happen in autism, leading to an enlarged brain.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

This famously failed to happen in Iraq.

Independent

What happened or failed to happen?

The Guardian

WHY pay attention to a deal that failed to happen?

The Economist

All the dire consequences predicted by doubters failed to happen.

The Economist

But the love-in has failed to happen.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fails to happen" when you want to emphasize that an expected or planned event did not occur, especially when the lack of occurrence has consequences or implications.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "fails to happen" can sometimes sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "does not occur" or "does not materialize" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to happen" functions as a verb phrase, expressing the non-occurrence of an event or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct. It's used to indicate that something expected or planned did not take place.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

21%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fails to happen" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that an expected event did not occur, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it's acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "does not occur" or "does not materialize" may be preferred in highly formal writing. Its prevalence in news, media, and scientific sources suggests a neutral register, making it suitable for various communication styles. When using this phrase, ensure that the non-occurrence of the event is relevant and adds meaning to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not occur

This is a more formal and direct way of saying something does not take place. It changes the verb used.

does not materialize

This alternative emphasizes the lack of becoming real or concrete. Changes the verb to materialize.

falls through

This is a more informal way to indicate a plan or agreement not succeeding. Uses a phrasal verb.

is unsuccessful

This focuses on the lack of success in achieving a desired result. Shifts the focus to the outcome's success.

is averted

This implies that a negative event was prevented from happening. Adds the connotation of prevention.

is prevented

Similar to 'is averted', but more general in its application, simply stating that something was stopped. Changes the verb.

is avoided

Indicates that something was actively kept from happening. Implies conscious effort to steer clear.

never comes to pass

This phrase conveys that something never happens or becomes a reality. It's a more emphatic way to express the lack of occurrence.

doesn't come about

This phrase indicates that an event or situation does not occur or develop. Changes the structure and vocabulary.

proves abortive

This implies that something was started but did not reach completion or fruition. Suggests a failed attempt.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "fails to happen" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can substitute "fails to happen" with phrases like "does not occur" or "does not materialize", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something "fails to happen"?

When something "fails to happen", it means that an expected or anticipated event or outcome did not take place. It suggests a lack of fulfillment or realization.

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

Both are grammatically correct, but "doesn't happen" is generally more informal. "Fails to happen" is slightly more emphatic and can be used when the non-occurrence is significant. You can also explore other alternatives such as does not occur.

Are there situations where "fails to happen" might be inappropriate?

In very formal or technical writing, "fails to happen" might sound slightly less polished. In such cases, consider using alternatives like does not occur or does not materialize to maintain a higher level of formality.