i had failed

USAGE SUMMARY

"I had failed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is in the past perfect tense, indicating that the failure happened before another past event or time. Example: I had failed my driving test twice before finally passing on the third attempt.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But I had failed.

The New York Times

But I had failed worse.

The New Yorker

Confident I had failed".

The New Yorker

I felt like I had failed him.

The New Yorker

I had failed both romance and travel.

The New York Times

Another skill I had failed to impart.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I've failed at times.

The New York Times - Sports

They will fail like I've failed.

The Guardian

I've failed you.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I have failed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Like I've failed".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I had failed" to clearly indicate that a failure occurred before another event in the past, providing a clear chronological sequence for your reader. For instance, "I had failed to secure the funding, so the project was cancelled."

Common error

Avoid using "I had failed" when referring to a present or future failure. Use the simple past tense "I failed" if the failure is the primary focus of the sentence, not an event preceding another past event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I had failed" functions as a statement indicating a past failure that occurred before another point in time. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase establishes a sequence of events, highlighting the prior failure as a cause or condition for a subsequent situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I had failed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a failure that preceded another event in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. While its register is neutral, it's essential to use it correctly in relation to the sequence of past events. Alternatives like "I was unsuccessful" or "I didn't succeed" exist for varied contexts. Remembering to specify the time frame to which the failure applies, while avoiding the incorrect use of the simple past is important to convey the proper meaning. The phrase sees prominent usage in News & Media, providing a base for its context in reality and current affairs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I experienced failure

Replaces the past perfect tense with a simple past, emphasizing the experience of failure.

I didn't succeed

A more direct way of stating a lack of success.

I was unsuccessful

Focuses on the lack of success rather than the act of failing.

I fell short

Emphasizes not meeting a certain standard or expectation.

I came up short

Similar to 'fell short', but slightly more informal.

I didn't measure up

Similar to 'fell short', but more focused on personal capability.

I missed the mark

Suggests a failure to achieve a specific goal or target.

I proved inadequate

Highlights a lack of ability or suitability for a task.

I was found wanting

Suggests a lack of essential qualities or abilities.

I was defeated

Implies a struggle or competition that resulted in failure.

FAQs

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

Use "I had failed" to describe an action that you didn't succeed in completing before another action happened. For example, "I had failed to submit the application before the deadline, so I missed the opportunity."

What's a more formal way to say "I had failed"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "I was unsuccessful", or "I did not succeed". These options, as well as "I fell short", maintain a professional tone.

Is it better to say "I failed" or "I had failed"?

Use "I failed" when discussing the failure itself. Use "I had failed" when you need to establish that the failure happened before another event. For example, "I failed the test" vs "I had failed the test, so I studied harder."

What are some alternatives to "I had failed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "I missed the mark", "I came up short", or "I was unsuccessful". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.