lights failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lights failed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where lights have stopped working or gone out, often in the context of a power outage or malfunction. Example: "During the storm, the lights failed, leaving the entire neighborhood in darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It knocked him to the ground, and the lights failed.

The New Yorker

When lights failed, it did not switch off.

The Guardian - Books

The lights failed and candles, of course, were unobtainable.

The New Yorker

Soon into the setup, one of the system's ultraviolet (UV) lights failed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Then on Friday, the runway lights failed at the airport in the Nigerian capital of Abuja.

The New York Times

Copper mines shut down, traffic lights failed and Saturday night revellers in Santiago found themselves dancing in the dark.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The automaker says that if the tail lights fail, the warning light will not work.

The New York Times

When the lights fail and blood begins to flow, why does the annoying mattress salesman (Geoffrey Arend) refuse to allow the tense mechanic (Logan Marshall-Green) to search him?

The New York Times

By night, Taiz – like most of Yemen these days – is wrapped in a blackness that the few flickering lights fail to disperse.

The Guardian

When the lights fail, unexpectedly we are forced to live entirely in the present, to improvise, to deal with the people right around us instead of ideas in our heads or friends at e-mail remove.

The New Yorker

Not only do the lights fail, but the ventilation system also shuts down, leading to a potentially dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene in a story or report, using "lights failed" can create a sense of immediacy and drama, especially if the failure leads to further consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "lights fail" when you mean the lights have already stopped working. "Lights fail" suggests a present or future possibility, while "lights failed" indicates a past event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lights failed" functions as a concise statement indicating a cessation of illumination, often due to a power outage or equipment malfunction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lights failed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, predominantly found in news and media, to describe a situation where lights have stopped functioning, often due to a power outage or malfunction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Alternative expressions include "lights went out" or "power outage occurred", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. When employing this phrase, ensure the tense aligns with the intended meaning, avoiding the present tense "lights fail" for past events. It is important to determine the cause in order to fix the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lights went out

This alternative is a more general way to describe lights stopping working.

lights stopped working

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of describing the event.

lights malfunctioned

This alternative indicates that the lights stopped working because of a technical issue.

power outage occurred

This alternative is a more specific term when the lights failed due to a power supply problem.

power was lost

This alternative is more general way to describe the cessation of electrical power.

electricity was cut off

This alternative suggests a deliberate or emergency disconnection of electrical supply.

lighting system failure

This alternative is more technical, referring to the entire system responsible for lighting.

there was a blackout

This alternative means a widespread power failure, encompassing more than just lights.

illumination ceased

This is a more formal way of saying that the lights stopped providing light.

no lights available

This alternative focuses on the unavailability of light, rather than the failure itself.

FAQs

What's a more descriptive way to say "lights failed"?

You can use phrases like "lights went out", "power outage occurred", or "electricity was cut off" to provide more context.

Is it correct to say "the light failed" instead of "lights failed"?

While "the light failed" is grammatically correct, it typically refers to a single light source. "Lights failed" is used when multiple lights or a general lighting system stopped working.

What causes the "lights failed"?

The reasons behind the "lights failed" can be various. It could be caused by a power outage, a tripped circuit breaker, equipment malfunction, or other electrical problems. It is important to determine the cause in order to fix the issue.

What should I do when the "lights failed"?

When the "lights failed", stay calm and check if the outage is limited to your home or affects the entire area. Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for illumination. If the outage is widespread, contact your local power company to report the issue.