keeps failing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps failing" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It usually has a negative connotation and is used to describe something that is continually unsatisfactory. For example: "My car keeps failing emissions tests, so I need to take it in for repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The war on drugs keeps failing because it too has failed to treat the root cause of all these ills: emotional and spiritual despair.

Huffington Post

He keeps failing up.

The New York Times

We want the transcendent fantasy world technology keeps failing to deliver.

The New York Times - Magazine

He keeps failing because he hasn't got a thought through plan to improve exams.

The Guardian

Despite all these advantages, however, he keeps failing to seal the deal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite repeated success in the assembly, Markey's bill keeps failing to reach the Senate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

They get an opportunity to play and they fail, they keep failing".

The Guardian - Sport

You try and fail and keep failing upward.

Vice

No doubt this helped to protect many boys, but in many other instances the system failed, and it kept failing.

The New York Times

The key slogan is, "Keep failing until you accidentally no longer fail".

TechCrunch

It has failed and can be expected to keep failing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keeps failing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is failing and why, providing specific details to enhance understanding. For example, instead of saying "The project keeps failing", specify "The project keeps failing to meet deadlines due to resource constraints."

Common error

Avoid using "keeps failing" without specifying the subject and the reason for failure. Vague statements can confuse the reader. Instead, offer specific reasons or context to give the statement more weight and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps failing" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a continuous or habitual action of failing. It highlights the repetitive nature of unsuccessful attempts or outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeps failing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe persistent unsuccessful attempts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While widely accepted, clarity can be improved by specifying the subject and reasons for the failure. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "consistently fails" or "repeatedly proves unsuccessful". Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistently fails

Focuses on the consistency of the failure, emphasizing the lack of change in outcome.

repeatedly unsuccessful

Highlights the repetition of unsuccessful attempts, suggesting multiple tries that all end in failure.

continually unsuccessful

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the lack of success, indicating an ongoing pattern.

persistently failing

Underscores the stubborn or unwavering nature of the failure, implying resistance to improvement.

invariably fails

Stresses the certainty of failure, suggesting that it is an unchangeable outcome.

always failing

Implies a lack of any success, highlighting the constant state of failure.

never succeeds

Focuses on the complete absence of success, indicating a total lack of positive outcomes.

routinely fails

Indicates that failure is a common occurrence, suggesting it happens as a matter of course.

habitually fails

Suggests that failure is a deeply ingrained habit or pattern.

keeps falling short

Focuses on the inability to reach a desired standard or goal, implying a deficiency in effort or ability.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "keeps failing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "consistently fails", "repeatedly proves unsuccessful", or "persistently fails to achieve the desired outcome". These phrases offer a similar meaning while maintaining a professional register.

What does it mean when something "keeps failing"?

When something "keeps failing", it indicates a recurring pattern of unsuccessful attempts or outcomes. It suggests that whatever is being tried is not working, and changes or adjustments may be necessary.

Is there a difference between "keeps failing" and "failed repeatedly"?

"Keeps failing" implies an ongoing process of failure, while "failed repeatedly" suggests a series of past failures. The former emphasizes the continuous nature of the problem, while the latter focuses on completed unsuccessful attempts. Consider using "repeatedly unsuccessful" as alternative.

What are some less accusatory ways to say something "keeps failing"?

To avoid sounding accusatory, you could use phrases like "continues to encounter challenges", "has not yet achieved the desired outcome", or "is experiencing ongoing difficulties". These options soften the tone while still conveying the message of repeated failure. Consider using "consistently fails" as alternative.