have failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have failed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something did not succeed in a particular task or objective, often in a context discussing past events or experiences. Example: "Despite our best efforts, we have failed to meet the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Activists have failed.

The New Yorker

All have failed.

The New York Times - Sports

Nearly all have failed.

The Economist

"They have failed miserably".

The New York Times

Your policies have failed.

The New York Times

You have failed.

Independent

Governments have failed.

The New York Times

Ethically, they have failed.

The New York Times - Books

Others have failed.

The Economist

They have failed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Attempts at modification have failed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have failed", clearly specify the task, goal, or standard against which failure is being measured to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "have failed" without specifying the context or area of failure. Instead of saying "The project has failed", clarify by stating "The project has failed to meet its initial objectives", providing a clearer understanding of the specific shortcomings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have failed" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of success or achievement in a past action or endeavor. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have failed" is a very common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the lack of success in various endeavors. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, primarily within News & Media. While appropriate for neutral register, it can be adapted for specific contexts using alternatives such as "did not succeed" or "fell short". Remember to provide context when using "have failed" to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not succeed

Replaces "have failed" with a more neutral and direct term.

were unsuccessful

Uses a more formal and passive construction to convey a lack of success.

did not achieve the desired outcome

Emphasizes the lack of reaching a specific goal or result.

fell short of expectations

Highlights the discrepancy between anticipated and actual results.

proved inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency or lack of capability to meet requirements.

came to nothing

Indicates that efforts or plans were fruitless and produced no results.

were in vain

Implies that efforts were made without any positive result.

miscarried

Suggests plans or projects went wrong, leading to failure.

have been defeated

Implies that there was an opposition, or a conflict or something difficult to overcome.

yielded no results

Focuses on the absence of any tangible or positive outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "have failed" in a sentence?

You can use "have failed" to indicate that someone or something did not succeed in achieving a specific goal. For example, "Despite their best efforts, they "have failed" to reach the sales target this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "have failed"?

Alternatives to "have failed" include "did not succeed", "were unsuccessful", or "fell short". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "has failed" instead of "have failed"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "has failed" for singular subjects (e.g., "The system has failed") and "have failed" for plural subjects (e.g., "The systems have failed") or with the pronouns "I", "you", "we", and "they".

What is the difference between "have failed" and "did not try"?

"Have failed" implies an attempt was made but was unsuccessful. "Did not try" means no attempt was made at all. They are not interchangeable.