failure is something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure is something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the concept of failure and its implications or significance in various contexts. Example: "Failure is something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives, and it often leads to personal growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

In the United States, talking about failure is something of a cottage industry.

The New Yorker

Failure is something he feels "on an emotional level, more than a theoretical" one.

The Guardian - Music

That failure is something for which everybody involved in music education should share the responsibility".

The Guardian

That means every failure is something you own, but something you can learn from".

The Guardian

Another thing holding Europe back is the persistent idea that failure is something to be ashamed of.

The Guardian

And so you get the sense that exploration – when it's intelligent exploration – even if it leads to failure, is something that the company values.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But the main reason for the NF's failure was something much more fundamental.

The Guardian

What replaced it, as Harvard Law School's Bruce Mann reported in "Republic of Debtors," a landmark study of eighteenth-century financial failure, was something that has become a mainstay of American life: bankruptcy.

The New Yorker

Failure was something he could not brook, and to avoid it he spared neither himself nor his companions, neither his native followers nor the inhabitants of the country through which he had made up his mind to pass.

The Guardian - Books

The Federal Reserve's decision to step in and throw AIG an $85.0 billion lifeline, in addition to taking a 79.9% stake in the insurer, indicates that the potential fallout from such a large failure was something the central bank did not wish to contemplate.

Forbes

The failure was something much broader, much deeper, and much more evident in the Dodgers words than even their play.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the role of failure in achieving success, emphasize that "failure is something" to learn from, not something to be feared.

Common error

Avoid implying that all failures are inherently positive. While learning from mistakes is valuable, not all failures are equal or beneficial. Be specific about the context and the potential lessons learned. Don't say that all "failure is something" to be celebrated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure is something" functions as a statement that introduces a concept or idea related to failure. It sets the stage for further explanation or discussion about the nature, consequences, or implications of failure, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure is something" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves as an introduction to discussions about the multifaceted nature of failure. According to Ludwig, it is primarily employed to frame failure as a concept worthy of consideration, analysis, or reflection, often appearing in News & Media contexts. While it's essential to avoid overgeneralizing the positive aspects of failure, understanding its potential implications and lessons is crucial for growth and resilience. By exploring alternatives like "failure represents something" and avoiding common pitfalls, writers can effectively use this phrase to convey nuanced perspectives on failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure means something

Uses "means" instead of "is", focusing on the significance or implication of failure.

failure represents something

Replaces "is" with "represents", emphasizing that failure symbolizes or stands for something else.

failure indicates something

Substitutes "is" with "indicates", highlighting the informative aspect of failure.

failure implies something

Replaces "is" with "implies", suggesting that failure hints at or suggests something without explicitly stating it.

failure equates to something

Replaces "is" with "equates to", suggesting failure is equal or comparable to something else.

failure constitutes something

Emphasizes that failure forms or composes a part of a larger whole.

failure boils down to something

Emphasizes that failure ultimately results in a specific outcome or understanding.

failure is synonymous with something

Highlights that failure is closely associated or interchangeable with a particular concept.

failure is a manifestation of something

Presents failure as an outward display or concrete representation of a deeper cause or condition.

the essence of failure is something

Shifts the focus to the core nature or fundamental characteristic of failure.

FAQs

How can I use "failure is something" in a sentence?

You can use "failure is something" to introduce a discussion about the nature, impact, or lessons learned from failure. For example, "Failure is something that everyone experiences, and it's how we respond to it that defines us."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "failure is something"?

Alternatives include phrases like "failure represents something", "failure indicates something", or "failure means something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to say that "failure is something" positive?

While failure can lead to growth and learning, it's not always inherently positive. The appropriateness depends on the context. It's important to acknowledge the potential negative impacts before emphasizing the positive aspects. A balanced approach is generally more effective.

What's the difference between saying "failure is something to learn from" and "failure is something to avoid"?

"Failure is something to learn from" emphasizes the potential for growth and improvement. "Failure is something to avoid" focuses on minimizing mistakes and risks. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight resilience or caution.