grammatical failings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grammatical failings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing errors or mistakes in grammar within a piece of writing or speech. Example: "The essay was well-written overall, but it contained several grammatical failings that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I attended a short interview at the publishing house to ensure the placement is suitable and that they are willing to take me on, grammatical failings and all.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Of course, that sentence lacked any grammatical coherence whatsoever and would have earned a failing grade in your average junior high English class.

Huffington Post

Notice a grammatical pattern?

The New York Times

Usage trumps grammatical purity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Use simple but grammatical speech.

The New York Times - Health

This is called grammatical conditioning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We all have our grammatical bugbears.

The Guardian - Opinion

The grammatical ambiguity here is intentional.

The New York Times - Books

There's a lot of grammatical errors.

The New Yorker

Twenty-nine: gramistakes mintakes in my JDate profile.

The New Yorker

To immediately redo the grammatical senses".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When proofreading, focus specifically on identifying "grammatical failings" by reviewing each sentence structure and verb tense for accuracy.

Common error

Don't rely solely on grammar checking software; carefully read your text aloud to catch subtle "grammatical failings" that automated tools might miss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grammatical failings" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a combination of an adjective ("grammatical") modifying a noun ("failings"). It refers to errors or deficiencies related to grammar. As noted by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grammatical failings" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe errors or deficiencies in grammar. While less common than alternatives like "grammar mistakes" or "grammatical errors", it is suitable for use across various contexts. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity, suggesting that while infrequent, it's a perfectly acceptable way to refer to grammatical shortcomings. When aiming for clarity and precision in writing, identifying and correcting these failings is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grammar mistakes

This alternative is a more common and straightforward way to refer to errors in grammar.

grammatical errors

This is a very common and direct synonym, widely understood and accepted.

faulty grammar

This alternative emphasizes the incorrectness or deficiency of the grammar.

incorrect grammar

This phrase simply states that the grammar is not correct.

poor grammar

This indicates a low quality or standard of grammar.

defective grammar

This alternative suggests a significant flaw or imperfection in the grammatical structure.

grammatical deficiencies

This is a more formal way of expressing a lack of proper grammar skills.

lapses in grammar

This highlights occasional or temporary failures in grammatical accuracy.

grammatical imperfections

This phrase points out the non-ideal or flawed aspects of grammar.

substandard grammar

This indicates that the grammar is below the expected or required level.

FAQs

How can I identify "grammatical failings" in my writing?

Read your work aloud, focusing on sentence structure, verb tense consistency, and subject-verb agreement. Tools and resources can also help.

What are some alternatives to "grammatical failings"?

You can use alternatives like "grammar mistakes", "grammatical errors", or "poor grammar" depending on the context.

How do "grammatical failings" affect the perception of my writing?

Frequent "grammatical failings" can undermine your credibility and make your writing difficult to understand. Proper grammar enhances clarity and professionalism.

Are "grammatical failings" always a sign of poor writing?

While they often indicate a need for improvement, occasional "grammatical failings" can occur even in skilled writing, especially in informal contexts or when experimenting with style.