it failed to arrive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it failed to arrive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that was expected but did not reach its destination, such as a package, message, or event. Example: "I was waiting for an important package, but unfortunately, it failed to arrive on the scheduled date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Coastguards lost contact with the ferry late on Saturday afternoon and it failed to arrive at its destination in Siwa across the Bay of Bone as scheduled.

The Guardian

Perhaps no city had been more changed by the train than Memphis, where it failed to arrive.

The New Yorker

"Winter is Coming," fans were promised in Season 1, Episode 1, but for six seasons it failed to arrive.

The New Yorker

When it failed to arrive I contacted the seller and he sent me the tracking information which read, "delivered to neighbour, 3 August".

The Guardian - Money

Mr. Ford was expecting his Lincoln car to call for him and when it failed to arrive, Mr. Ford became increasingly nervous.

The New Yorker

They pushed me and my bed out to the lift to the surgical floor at breakneck speed but it failed to arrive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

If only black ravens continue to be observed, the contrary method has to eventually change its mind and assert that "all ravens are black", or else it fails to arrive at the correct generalization.

SEP

In 802.11 networks, a sender can retransmit a packet if it fails to arrive at the receiver, and there is a limit on the number of retransmissions allowed for the sender.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

If delivery before Christmas is part of the contract, and specified in a confirmation e-mail, then you may have a claim in a small-claims court for breach of contract if it fails to arrive before 25 December.

BBC

He had finally scored his first goal in these World Cup finals but it had failed to arrive until 10 minutes from time and, ultimately, counted for nothing.

The Guardian - Sport

Their right flank was supposed to be covered by the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, but it had failed to arrive.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it failed to arrive", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify "the package failed to arrive" instead of just "it failed to arrive" if the subject isn't immediately clear.

Common error

Avoid using "it failed to arrive" when the issue isn't about physical arrival, but about success. For example, don't say "the plan failed to arrive" when you mean "the plan failed to succeed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it failed to arrive" functions as a statement indicating the non-occurrence of an expected arrival. It asserts that something or someone that was anticipated to reach a destination or materialize did not do so, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it failed to arrive" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for indicating that something expected did not reach its destination or materialize. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, most frequently in News & Media and Science. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to. Alternative phrases like "it did not arrive" or "it didn't show up" can be used depending on the context and desired level of formality. A key writing tip is to avoid using this phrase when you actually mean 'failed to succeed'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it did not arrive

Uses a simpler negative construction; direct synonym.

it didn't show up

Employs a more informal, phrasal verb to convey non-arrival.

it was not delivered

Focuses on the delivery aspect of something not reaching its destination.

it never came

Highlights the absence of arrival using "never".

it remained absent

More formal; emphasizes the continuing state of non-arrival.

it proved undeliverable

Focuses on the inability to deliver the item or message.

it was lost in transit

Specifies the reason for non-arrival being lost during transportation.

it missed its destination

Highlights that the intended goal of reaching a specific destination was not met.

it fell short of reaching

Emphasizes the effort but ultimate failure to reach a goal or destination.

it never materialized

Implies the failure of something expected to become real or tangible.

FAQs

How can I use "it failed to arrive" in a sentence?

You can use "it failed to arrive" when referring to something that was expected but did not reach its destination or materialize. For example, "The shipment failed to arrive on time", or "The anticipated support failed to arrive when needed".

What can I say instead of "it failed to arrive"?

You can use alternatives like "it did not arrive", "it didn't show up", or "it was not delivered" depending on the context.

Is "it failed to arrive" formal or informal?

"It failed to arrive" is generally considered neutral in tone. While it's not overly formal, it's also not strictly informal, making it suitable for a variety of contexts.

Which is correct, "it failed to arrive" or "it failed arriving"?

"It failed to arrive" is the correct construction. "Failed" requires a 'to infinitive' after it, whereas, "It failed arriving" is incorrect. You should use "it failed to arrive".