it fails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it fails" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in many different situations to express that something has not been successful. For example, "Despite our best efforts, it fails."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It fails.

The Guardian - Tech

If it fails, it fails.

The Guardian - Sport

It fails logic 101.

The Guardian

Even if it fails.

The New York Times - Arts

And if it fails?

The Economist

It fails like all cities.

The New York Times

Good riddance if it fails.

The New York Times

At that task, it fails.

The New Yorker

It fails upwardly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It failed.

The New York Times - Health

It failed because it failed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it fails" to provide a concise and direct assessment of something that does not achieve its intended purpose or goal. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it fails" when a more specific subject is appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "It fails to meet expectations", specify who or what is failing: "The product "does not meet expectations"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it fails" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a negative outcome. It asserts that something is not successful or does not achieve its intended purpose. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it fails" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of success or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various domains, with a particular prevalence in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, selecting more specific language may enhance clarity in formal writing. When using "it fails", consider its directness and ensure it aligns with your intended message and audience. Remember to avoid using it in passive constructions where a more specific subject would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it does not succeed

Emphasizes the lack of achievement or positive outcome.

it is unsuccessful

Highlights the failure to meet a desired goal or standard.

it proves ineffective

Focuses on the lack of efficacy or impact.

it falls short

Indicates a failure to reach a required level or expectation.

it doesn't work

A simple and direct way to express that something is not functioning as intended.

it comes to nothing

Suggests that efforts or plans have been wasted or have not produced any results.

it is a failure

Directly states that something has not been successful.

it is in vain

Implies that an action or effort was pointless and did not achieve the desired result.

it ends in disappointment

Highlights the negative emotional outcome of the failure.

it misses the mark

Indicates that something has not achieved its intended target or objective.

FAQs

How can I use "it fails" in a sentence?

You can use "it fails" to indicate that something is not successful or effective. For example, "The experiment was carefully designed, but "it fails" to produce the desired results".

What are some alternatives to "it fails"?

Alternatives to "it fails" include phrases like "it is unsuccessful", "it falls short", or "it proves ineffective", depending on the specific context.

Is "it fails" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "it fails" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using a more precise or nuanced alternative if the context requires it. For example, in a scientific paper, you might prefer "the hypothesis "was not supported"".

What does "it fails" imply?

"It fails" implies a lack of success or a failure to meet expectations. It can be used to describe anything from a personal attempt to a large-scale project that does not achieve its intended outcome.