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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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go to failure

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go to failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to exercise or testing, where one pushes oneself to the point of failure to assess limits or capabilities. Example: "During the workout, I decided to go to failure on my last set of bench presses to really challenge my muscles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Now we go to failure.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Your husband is no longer your husband, so who does the money go to?" Failure to update your will could result in the state acting as if you have none.

News & Media

BBC

For a drop set, lessen the weight on each successive exercise and go to failure.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Given the amount of rewards going to failures, it should be a perpetual series..

News & Media

Huffington Post

Always wash your face before putting on makeup and always was it off before you go to bed, failure to do this can result in acne breakouts.

The pressure reaches its peak, responsibilities come tumbling in and I go to bed a failure.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Never let a good failure go to waste.

News & Media

The New Yorker

You have to be indicted and go to jail almost for failure".

News & Media

Huffington Post

"Lori, I'm not going to presuppose failure," Mr. Obama said.

News & Media

The New York Times

The thing is, you're going to have failure the whole time or you'll never get to where you are.

News & Media

Vice

An incorrect middle initial on your records most likely isn't going to spell failure for any of your credit applications.

News & Media

Huffington Post
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about reaching a limit, consider the context to determine if "go to failure" is the most appropriate term. If the context is less deliberate and more accidental, consider alternatives such as "reach breaking point" or "hit the wall".

Common error

While "go to failure" is suitable for exercise or engineering contexts, it can sound awkward in everyday conversation. Use synonyms like "fall apart" or "break down" for more natural language.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go to failure" functions primarily as a predicate describing the action of reaching a state of non-performance or breakdown. It is often found in technical contexts related to stress testing or physical exercise as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go to failure" is grammatically correct but not very common. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly in the context of exercise and testing. The examples show its usage across News & Media, Wiki, and Science domains. Related phrases include "reach breaking point" and "hit the wall". While appropriate in technical settings, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. It is important to remember to avoid overusing the phrase and to use synonyms when needed.

FAQs

How can I use "go to failure" in a sentence?

You can use "go to failure" to describe the point where something stops working due to stress or overuse, or when someone deliberately pushes themselves to their physical limits. For example, "The engineers tested the bridge supports until they "go to failure"."

What does it mean to "push to failure"?

"Push to failure" is similar to ""go to failure"", often used in fitness to describe continuing an exercise until you can't perform another repetition with proper form. It's a technique to maximize muscle growth.

Is "go to failure" the same as "reach failure"?

Yes, ""go to failure"" and "reach failure" are often used interchangeably. Both phrases refer to reaching a point where something or someone can no longer continue or function effectively.

What are some alternatives to "go to failure" in a professional setting?

In a professional context, you might use phrases like "prove unsuccessful", "succumb to collapse", or "meet its demise" to describe a project or system that has failed to achieve its objectives.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: