it is set to fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is set to fail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is likely to fail due to its inherent characteristics or circumstances. Example: "Given the lack of resources and planning, the project is set to fail from the start."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: "It would appear that this autumn statement is set to fail our first test to provide actual support for those on low and middle incomes".

The Guardian

The Care Act is set to fail.

The Guardian

Nigel Farage is set to fail in his bid to become an MP, according to the latest constituency polling by Lord Ashcroft.

Independent

This ultimatum is set to fail on economic grounds alone.

HuffPost

Shadow minister Maria Eagle reiterated support, saying the existing railway network was set to fail without HS2.

BBC

After the proposal met opposition in parliament and was set to fail, Koht offered to resign.

Wikipedia

Joe Juba of Game Informer praised the gameplay but criticized the lack of fanfare stating, "Despite the fun job system and classic vibe to the combat, Dimensions seems like it was set up to fail.

Wikipedia

As the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments celebrated its third anniversary last week, one thing was perfectly clear: It was set up to fail by Los Angeles city and county officials and succeeding spectacularly at doing so.

Los Angeles Times

It's like it's set up to fail from that standpoint.

The New York Times

More old C57BL/6 mice were set to mate but failed from plugging.

Protein & Cell

It never failed: we'd be set to call the adults in to watch our performance, just as they were getting up to go.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is set to fail" to clearly communicate the expectation of failure, based on current circumstances or inherent flaws. Ensure the context provides sufficient reasoning for this prediction.

Common error

Avoid using "it is set to fail" when there is still a reasonable chance of success. Overstating the certainty of failure can undermine motivation and prevent necessary corrective actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is set to fail" functions as a predictive statement, asserting a high likelihood of an unsuccessful outcome. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. This expression indicates that current conditions or inherent characteristics strongly suggest an impending failure.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is set to fail" is a grammatically sound expression used to predict an impending failure. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the prediction is well-founded and that the context justifies the strong assertion of failure. Alternatives like "it is destined to fail" or "it is bound to fail" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Overstating the certainty of failure should be avoided to maintain objectivity and encourage proactive problem-solving. This phrase is a potent tool for expressing negative forecasts, and its effective use depends on careful consideration of the context and implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is destined to fail

Emphasizes inevitability; suggests failure is predetermined by fate or circumstance.

it is bound to fail

Indicates a very high probability of failure due to existing conditions or limitations.

it is doomed to failure

Conveys a sense of impending and unavoidable failure, often with negative connotations.

it is sure to fail

Expresses confidence in the prediction of failure, leaving little room for doubt.

it will inevitably fail

Highlights the certainty of failure, suggesting there's no way to prevent it.

it cannot succeed

Directly states the impossibility of achieving success, often due to inherent flaws.

failure is inevitable

Focuses on the certainty of failure as a general concept or outcome.

it is programmed to fail

Suggests a deliberate or inherent design flaw that causes failure.

it is designed to fail

Implies intentional creation leading to inevitable failure, whether by external factors or internal characteristics.

it is heading for disaster

Describes a trajectory toward a catastrophic outcome or significant failure.

FAQs

What does "it is set to fail" mean?

The phrase "it is set to fail" means that something is very likely to fail or is destined for failure based on current conditions or inherent characteristics. It implies a high probability of an unsuccessful outcome.

What can I say instead of "it is set to fail"?

You can use alternatives like "it is destined to fail", "it is bound to fail", or "it is doomed to failure" depending on the context.

How to use "it is set to fail" in a sentence?

Use "it is set to fail" when you want to express a strong expectation or prediction of failure due to specific circumstances or inherent flaws. For example: "Without proper funding, the project is set to fail."

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is set to fail"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "it is set to fail" when you have a reasonable basis for predicting failure. This might be due to a lack of resources, poor planning, or inherent flaws in the design or concept.