in the event of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the event of failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that occurs if something does not succeed or goes wrong. Example: "In the event of failure, we will implement our backup plan to ensure continuity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the event of failure, surgical management maybe needed.

Nature

What it amounts to, really, is an escape hatch in the event of failure.

The New York Times - Books

In the event of failure, she will be holding a one-woman strike in forthcoming weeks.

The Guardian - Money

In the event of failure, students will retake only the exam they did not pass.

Yale University

Accountability test: At worst the big contractors are subject to short term bidding bans in the event of failure.

The Guardian

Hallam's surgery was clearly experimental, but at least, in the event of failure, the hand could be removed.

The New Yorker

Researchers have made sensors that can repair themselves in the event of failure, keeping that stream of crucial data coming.

MIT Technology Review

A bank collapse could also be prevented by increasing the burden on creditors in the event of failure, Schoar said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In the event of failure, the failed exam must be retaken the next time it is offered.

Yale University

He refused to say that, in the event of failure, he would advocate Britain leaving the EU.

The Economist

In the event of failure of several parts or components a search procedure is proposed together with the detection process.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the event of failure", ensure you clearly outline the subsequent actions or contingency plans. This provides clarity and demonstrates preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "in the event of failure" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation; consider alternatives like "if it doesn't work" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the event of failure" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a conditional clause. It sets the stage for a contingency plan or alternative course of action should the initial attempt not succeed. This aligns with Ludwig's confirmation of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

30%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the event of failure" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase employed to introduce contingency plans or alternative actions should the initial plan not succeed. As Ludwig confirms, it's correct and usable in various contexts. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, it conveys a sense of preparedness and precaution. While appropriate for formal writing and professional settings, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Alternatives include "if it fails" or "in case of failure", offering more concise or informal options, as per Ludwig's suggestions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in case of failure

A slightly shorter version using the preposition 'of' instead of 'the event of'.

if it fails

This alternative offers a more concise and direct way to express the same condition.

on the failure of

This version places more emphasis on the failure itself.

should it not succeed

This is a more formal way of expressing the condition of failure.

if unsuccessful

This alternative uses an adjective to convey the lack of success.

failing that

This is a more idiomatic and succinct alternative.

if that doesn't work

This alternative is more informal and conversational.

if it goes wrong

This is a more general way of referring to something not working out.

as a fallback

This alternative implies a backup plan is in place.

alternatively

This suggests an alternative course of action is available.

FAQs

How can I use "in the event of failure" in a sentence?

Use "in the event of failure" to introduce a contingency plan or alternative action if the primary plan does not succeed. For example, "In the event of failure, we will implement our backup strategy."

What are some alternatives to "in the event of failure"?

You can use alternatives like "if it fails", "in case of failure", or "failing that" depending on the context.

Is "in the event of failure" formal or informal?

"In the event of failure" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, alternatives like "if it doesn't work" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "in the event of failure" and "in case of failure"?

While both phrases are similar, "in the event of failure" can be seen as slightly more emphatic or formal than "in case of failure". The latter is generally more common and less pronounced.