he is failing

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "he is failing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe someone's lack of success with something. For example, "John has been studying for the math test, but he is failing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Is it any wonder that he is failing to capitalize on lacklustre growth and eight-per-cent unemployment?

The New Yorker

Balls said: "This is a humiliating defeat for David Cameron, which shows how weak and out of touch he has become … David Cameron has failed to convince his own backbenchers, just as he is failing to convince other European leaders".

The Guardian

"He failed at business, and now I think it's fair to say he is failing at government," Bloomberg said in a speech at Saint Anselm College.

The Guardian

He is failing our next generation".

The Guardian

And that is what he is failing to do.

The Guardian - Books

Carver's critics claim he is failing to motivate his squad.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

If he fails that test, he's failing the presidency, he's failing the American people, he's failing the Constitution and failing all of us".

Huffington Post

He was failing kindergarten.

The New York Times

He was failing three subjects.

The New Yorker

He feels that he's failing all the time.

Independent

He's failing to stay in the moment too.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is failing", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is failing at. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "he is failing" without specifying the area of failure. Instead of saying "he is failing", say "he is failing his math class" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is failing" functions as a verb phrase, specifically utilizing the present continuous tense. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes an ongoing state of not succeeding in a particular activity or endeavor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is failing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting a current state of lacking success. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. This phrase is particularly common in News & Media, with lesser but notable presence in Formal & Business and general conversational contexts. It serves to communicate a judgment, observation, or concern about someone's performance and its communicative purpose often involves informing or criticizing, while its register remains fairly neutral. If you want to use a different wording, you can choose alternatives such as "he is not succeeding" or "he is underperforming". It is crucial to ensure the context clearly specifies what "he is failing" at, and that lack of clarity may lead to misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he's not succeeding

This alternative focuses on the absence of success, implying a lack of positive outcomes.

he is not measuring up

This phrase emphasizes a failure to meet expectations or standards.

he is underperforming

This alternative highlights a level of performance below what is expected or capable.

he is not making the grade

This phrase suggests a failure to achieve the required standard, particularly in academic or professional contexts.

he is falling short

This option indicates a failure to reach a specific target or goal.

he is not cutting it

This idiom suggests that someone lacks the necessary skills or qualities to succeed.

he is proving inadequate

This phrase indicates a demonstration of being insufficient or incapable.

he is deficient

This highlights a lack of something necessary or desirable.

he is backsliding

This option indicates a relapse or regression to a worse state.

he is losing ground

This suggests a decline in position, influence, or progress.

FAQs

How can I use "he is failing" in a sentence?

You can use "he is failing" to describe someone's lack of success in a specific area. For example, "Despite studying hard, he is failing his exams."

What are some alternatives to "he is failing"?

You can use alternatives like "he is not succeeding", "he is underperforming", or "he is falling short" depending on the context.

Is "he is failing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he is failing" is grammatically correct. It uses the present continuous tense to describe an ongoing lack of success.

Which is the correct option, "he is failing" or "he fails"?

Both "he is failing" and "he fails" can be correct, but they have different meanings. "He is failing" describes a current, ongoing situation, while "he fails" describes a general or habitual action. For example, "He is failing this semester" vs. "He fails every time he tries to cook".