fails to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where something, such as a machine or a process, does not initiate as expected. Example: "The engine fails to start, indicating a possible issue with the battery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Their car fails to start as they're fleeing the premises.

The Guardian - Film

And who hasn't pleaded with their car when it fails to start on a frosty morning?

The Guardian - Books

Hake loses his job early in the story; he then tries and fails to start a new business.

The New York Times

The mower fails to start, and I have to jump-start it with the tractor instead of plugging in the battery charger.

The New York Times

Mr Ozawa is threatening to pull his Liberal Party out of the alliance if the LDP fails to start serious discussions about merging the two parties before the present Diet session ends on December 15th.

The Economist

There are rarely outward clues and, unless newborns are tested for hearing loss, it is often not detected until the child is 2 or 3 and fails to start talking.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The vole failed to start….

The New Yorker

If kadmind fails to bind to any of the specified addresses, it will fail to start.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If the KDC daemon fails to bind to any of the specified addresses, it will fail to start.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In some cases, having the car fail to start may actually be preferable to the alternative.

The New York Times

The vehicles may exhibit long crank times or fail to start.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues, use "fails to start" to clearly indicate a problem with initiation, such as a machine malfunction. Be specific about what "fails to start" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "fails to start" in situations where a simpler term like "doesn't begin" would suffice. The phrase can sound unnecessarily formal in very casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to start" functions as a verb phrase indicating the inability to initiate an action or process. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly describes malfunctions or lack of initiation in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fails to start" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the inability of something to begin or initiate. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific sources. While alternatives exist, such as "does not begin" or "cannot initiate", "fails to start" offers a balance between formality and clarity. When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate and avoid overuse in overly simplistic situations for optimal impact. The linguistic analysis underscores its function in reporting non-initiation and its neutral register, suitable for diverse communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not begin

Replaces "fails" with a simpler negative form, "does not", maintaining the core meaning but with a slightly less formal tone.

has not begun

Similar to "does not begin" but uses the present perfect tense to indicate a lack of initiation up to the present moment.

is not starting

Presents a continuous tense version, emphasizing the ongoing lack of initiation.

cannot initiate

Replaces "fails" with "cannot" and "start" with "initiate", providing a more direct and assertive alternative.

is unable to commence

Substitutes "fails" with "is unable" and "start" with "commence", increasing the formality of the phrase.

will not launch

Employs "launch" to suggest a more complex initiation process that is not occurring.

refuses to activate

Uses "refuses" to indicate a deliberate lack of action and "activate" in place of "start", implying a system or mechanism.

remains inactive

Shifts the focus to the state of being inactive rather than the failure to start.

doesn't kick off

Offers a more informal, colloquial alternative using "kick off" in place of "start".

won't get going

Uses a colloquial expression, "get going", to convey the failure to initiate movement or progress.

FAQs

What does "fails to start" mean?

The phrase "fails to start" means that something is unable to begin or initiate its function. It often implies a problem or malfunction preventing the start of a process or mechanism.

What can I say instead of "fails to start"?

You can use alternatives like "does not begin", "is unable to commence", or "cannot initiate" depending on the context.

Is "fails to start" formal or informal?

The phrase "fails to start" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "is unable to commence" exist.

How to use "fails to start" in a sentence?

You can use "fails to start" in a sentence like: "The car fails to start in cold weather", or "The program fails to start after the update".