he has failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has failed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a male subject did not succeed in a particular task or endeavor. Example: "Despite his best efforts, he has failed to meet the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He has failed in battle.

Independent

He has failed miserably".

The New York Times

He has failed to manage the city.

The New York Times

He has failed it twice before.

The New Yorker

He has failed to do so.

The Economist

He has failed on other counts too.

The Economist

He has failed to rebalance the economy.

The Guardian - Business

The elections confirm that he has failed.

The Economist

He has failed to liberalise the economy.

The Economist

So far he has failed.

The Guardian - Business

"He has failed to provide the leadership".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he has failed" to clearly and directly state that a male subject did not achieve a desired outcome or meet expectations. Ensure the context provides sufficient information about what the subject was expected to accomplish.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure who is responsible for the failure. Instead of saying "mistakes were made", which lacks accountability, specify who failed by saying "he has failed" to do X, Y, or Z.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has failed" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a male subject has not succeeded in a particular endeavor. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he has failed" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a male subject has not succeeded. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is broadly applicable across various contexts, primarily within News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the specific context and audience when using it, opting for more formal alternatives like "he did not succeed" in sensitive situations. Avoiding passive voice and ensuring clear communication of responsibility are crucial for effective writing using "he has failed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he did not succeed

Replaces "failed" with a more neutral term, focusing on the lack of success.

he was unsuccessful

Uses an adjective to describe his state, emphasizing the lack of success.

he fell short

Emphasizes the idea of not reaching a target or expectation.

he didn't make the grade

An idiomatic expression indicating failure to meet a standard.

he proved inadequate

Focuses on the lack of necessary skills or qualities.

he came up short

Similar to "fell short", but with a slightly different emphasis on effort.

he was defeated

Highlights the aspect of being overcome or losing.

he missed the mark

An idiomatic phrase suggesting an error in aim or execution.

he floundered

Suggests a struggle and ultimate failure due to incompetence.

he couldn't cut it

Informal expression implying a lack of capability.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he has failed" to sound more formal?

You could use phrases such as "he did not succeed" or "he was unsuccessful" to convey a more formal tone.

What are some less direct ways to say "he has failed"?

Consider using expressions like "he fell short" or "he didn't make the grade" to soften the statement.

Is it appropriate to use "he has failed" in professional communication?

Yes, "he has failed" is appropriate, especially when directly addressing a situation where someone did not meet expectations. However, ensure the context is suitable and consider a more formal tone in sensitive situations by using alternatives like "he did not succeed".

What's the difference between saying "he failed" and "he has failed"?

The phrase "he failed" generally refers to a completed action in the past, while "he has failed" implies that the failure is recent or has ongoing relevance. For example, "He failed the test last week" vs. "he has failed to meet expectations this quarter".