is certain to fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is certain to fail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong belief or prediction that something will not succeed. Example: "Without proper planning and resources, this project is certain to fail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the euro is certain to fail.

The New York Times

The vote is certain to fail – Gabelli has said he is opposed to it – but it may send a message to the board.

The Guardian

The group, critics say, is certain to fail by its own vague and highly ambitious standards.

Vice

His new electoral strategy to try to look like Big Oil to save Democrats in the mid-terms is certain to fail as well.

Huffington Post

Our democracy is certain to fail if we cannot figure out a way to foster media that is less sensational and superficial, and more thoughtful and informative.

Huffington Post

Finally, in a dramatic letter to Strode, the superintendent commented "I do not have either the mental or physical stamina for this task, which I am convinced is certain to fail".

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They would be certain to fail once they hit the hard-assed realities of the market.

The Guardian - Business

A group of employees sued in September 2008, saying that the deal was certain to fail.

The New York Times

Companies must always plan around the potential departure of even their star traders, or they are certain to fail.

The New York Times

He asked some of his friends to come in on it with him, but nobody wanted to leave a job for a venture that was certain to fail.

The New Yorker

Even then, they said, some insurance companies are certain to fail under the burden of claims that may run as high as $30 billion to $40 billion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is certain to fail", consider the audience and the situation to ensure the tone and intensity of the statement are appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "is certain to fail" when the outcome is merely probable or uncertain. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where there is overwhelming evidence or logical reasoning to support the prediction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is certain to fail" functions as a predictive expression, asserting a high degree of confidence that a particular outcome will not be successful. This is validated by Ludwig's examples that show the expression to have a predictive function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is certain to fail" is a predictive expression used to convey a strong belief that something will not succeed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it is most commonly found in news and media. When writing, it's important to only use the phrase if there is an accurate evaluation of the context as there is some real evidence. Related phrases include "is destined to fail" and "is bound to fail". Use with care to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is destined to fail

Emphasizes a predetermined outcome of failure, suggesting fate or destiny.

is bound to fail

Indicates an inevitable outcome due to inherent constraints or conditions.

is sure to fail

Conveys a high degree of confidence in the prediction of failure.

will undoubtedly fail

Adds emphasis to the certainty of failure, leaving no room for doubt.

cannot succeed

Focuses on the impossibility of achieving success, rather than directly predicting failure.

has no chance of success

Highlights the lack of opportunity or probability for a positive outcome.

is doomed to failure

Suggests an impending and unavoidable negative outcome, often with grave implications.

will never work

Simple and direct expression of impossibility, lacking in formality.

faces certain defeat

Applies to competitive situations or conflicts where failure means being defeated.

is a recipe for disaster

Highlights the elements that are going to contribute to the failure.

FAQs

How can I use "is certain to fail" in a sentence?

You can use "is certain to fail" to express a strong belief that something will not succeed. For example, "A plan without adequate resources "is certain to fail"."

What are some alternatives to "is certain to fail"?

Alternatives include "is destined to fail", "is bound to fail", or "is sure to fail", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is certain to fail"?

Use "is certain to fail" when you have a high degree of confidence, based on evidence or reasoning, that something will not succeed. Avoid using it for mere speculation.

Is "is certain to fail" a formal or informal expression?

"Is certain to fail" is a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language.