it is possible to fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is possible to fail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential for failure in various contexts, such as projects, exams, or personal goals. Example: "While we have prepared thoroughly for the presentation, it is possible to fail if we do not engage the audience effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is possible to fail.

The New York Times

The FAQ for the CORe programme, meanwhile, warns potential students that "professors will not have direct real-time interactions with students", that getting the certificate hinges on taking a final exam at a testing centre, and that it is possible to fail.

The Economist

If professionalism is overly emphasized, it is possible to fail to achieve cooperation.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Therefore, it is possible to fail the year based on PT grades.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yet, against the odds, it's possible to fail well – to rise above the unpleasant basket of emotions that come with the territory and to not allow disappointment to sour one's very soul.

The Guardian - Books

Sports serves in part as a training ground for life and to many parents, the most important lesson a child can carry forward into the world is that it's possible to fail one time then do better the next.

The New York Times

When the target population has no evaluable lesions, it may be possible to fail to observe an adequate efficacy in a short term.

Cancer Science

It is possible to excuse waiters who fail to give prices in their recital of specials, but failing to include prices on a written list is inexcusable.

The New York Times

It is clear that while setting the upper specification limit of BYK b*, it is good to consider in-process samples; if the upper specification limit for BYK b* is set at 2.0, then it is possible to identify samples which fail in the present vehicle b test due to any process contaminations.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

This helps students understand how it is possible to ace tests and fail interviews.

Huffington Post

With e-books, for example, it is possible to track whether one student failed to complete the assignment or if everyone stopped reading at the same page of a particularly boring case.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is possible to fail", consider the context and audience. In some cases, a more direct or nuanced phrase might be more appropriate, such as "failure is a risk" or "success is not guaranteed."

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "it is possible to fail", as they can sound weak or evasive. Opt for more active and direct language when appropriate, such as "you might fail" or "we could fail."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is possible to fail" functions as an expression of possibility. It indicates that failure is a potential outcome in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is possible to fail" is a grammatically sound phrase used to acknowledge the potential for failure across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, consider the specific context and audience to determine if more direct alternatives might be more suitable. It is important to not overuse passive constructions like this one, and it is key to replace them with more active constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's a chance of failure

Highlights the probability of failing rather than stating it as a possibility.

the risk of failure exists

Draws attention to the potential danger or hazard of failing, highlighting risk.

failure is an option

Emphasizes that failure is a legitimate possibility, unlike asserting that it is simply possible.

failure is conceivable

Stresses the imaginability of failure rather than its simple possibility.

one might not succeed

Uses more tentative language; suggests uncertainty of outcome rather than clear possibility of failure.

the attempt may fall short

Focuses on the attempt being inadequate, not necessarily a complete failure.

success isn't guaranteed

Shifts focus to the uncertainty of success instead of highlighting the potential for failure.

one can falter

Highlights the action of failing or stumbling rather than the possibility of failure itself.

it could go wrong

Focuses on a negative outcome without explicitly mentioning failure.

it may not work

Suggests a lack of effectiveness instead of complete failure.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "it is possible to fail"?

You can use alternatives like "failure is an option", "there's a chance of failure", or "success isn't guaranteed" depending on the context.

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

You can use "it is possible to fail" to express the potential for failure in various situations. For example, "While we've prepared thoroughly, it is possible to fail if we don't engage the audience."

Is it more appropriate to say "it is possible to fail" or "you can fail"?

The choice depends on the context. "It is possible to fail" is more formal and impersonal, while "you can fail" is more direct and can be perceived as confrontational or encouraging, depending on the intention.

What does "it is possible to fail" imply?

The phrase implies that despite efforts or planning, there's a chance of not achieving the desired outcome. It acknowledges the potential for setbacks and the reality that success is not always assured.