it has backfired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has backfired" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where an action or plan has had the opposite effect of what was intended, often resulting in negative consequences. Example: "The company's decision to cut costs by reducing staff has backfired, leading to decreased productivity and low morale among remaining employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It has backfired.

The Economist

It has backfired badly.

Independent

But now it has backfired.

The New York Times

So far, however, it has backfired.

The Economist

But it has backfired at home.

The Economist

But – so far – it has backfired.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

But Adams had to admit that it had backfired: "Not one man in America then believed him.

The New York Times - Books

Vincent Aceto, the former president of the faculty senate, said that he had tried to work with the trustees for several years, but that it had backfired.

The New York Times

While some executives said it had helped in the negotiations with Cablevision, others said it had backfired because it stirred up questions about net neutrality, according to people who insisted on anonymity.

The New York Times

If Cameron's intention in holding an in/out referendum had been to heal the Tories' decades-old divisions over Europe once and for all, it had backfired spectacularly.

The Guardian

Now that its wager has backfired, it is scrambling to put its balance sheet in adequate shape while its shareholders suffer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has backfired", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Clarity is crucial for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "it has backfired" when the antecedent of "it" is unclear or ambiguous. Always ensure the reader can easily identify what the pronoun refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has backfired" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that a prior action or plan has resulted in an outcome opposite to what was intended. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has backfired" is a commonly used phrase to describe situations where an action or strategy has had the opposite of its intended effect, often with negative consequences. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage in news and media. While versatile, clarity is crucial when using this phrase to ensure the reader understands what "it" refers to. Alternatives include "it proved counterproductive" or "it yielded negative consequences", but "it has backfired" offers a direct and impactful way to convey unintended and unfavorable outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it proved counterproductive

Emphasizes that the action had the opposite of the intended effect.

it yielded negative consequences

Highlights the unfavorable outcomes resulting from the action.

it had adverse effects

Focuses on the harmful or damaging results of the action.

it turned out badly

A more general way to say that something did not go as planned, with negative implications.

it boomeranged

Suggests that the action returned to harm the originator.

it rebounded negatively

Highlights that the action bounced back in an undesirable way.

it misfired

Implies that the action failed to achieve its intended goal.

it flopped

Indicates a complete failure or lack of success.

it fell flat

Suggests that the action was ineffective or uninspiring.

it was self-defeating

Emphasizes that the action ultimately worked against the actor's own interests.

FAQs

How can I use "it has backfired" in a sentence?

Use "it has backfired" when an action or plan has produced an unintended and negative consequence. For example, "The company's cost-cutting measures "it has backfired", leading to decreased productivity".

What are some alternatives to "it has backfired"?

Alternatives include "it proved counterproductive", "it yielded negative consequences", or "it had adverse effects", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it has backfired on them" different from "it has backfired"?

"It has backfired on them" specifies who experienced the negative consequences, while ""it has backfired"" implies the negative consequences are generally known or understood in the context.

Which is more formal, "it has backfired" or "it didn't work out"?

"It has backfired" is generally considered more formal than "it didn't work out", which is more casual. "It has backfired" is suitable for professional or news contexts.