might not succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

"might not succeed" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when there is uncertainty about whether someone or something will be successful in achieving a certain outcome. Example: "The new marketing strategy might not succeed in increasing sales, but it's worth a try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Are you afraid you might not succeed?

Harvard Business Review

We might not succeed in building a better future.

The New Yorker

But there were clues that he might not succeed.

The New York Times

Even with China's backing, these outside efforts might not succeed: honesty and greenery come from within.

The Economist

Ms. Myatt acknowledged that some of the projects might not succeed.

The New York Times

If Benjamin had answered 32... Qg6 by 33 Bh4, Gufeld's attack might not succeed.

The New York Times

Military raids might not succeed in capturing a terrorist like Mr. bin Laden.

The New York Times

Increasingly, though, it's seeming like we might not succeed any time soon.

The Guardian - Opinion

No matter how hard you work, your whole career might not succeed.

Nature

It is easy to see in principle why i a clearinghouse that produces un stable matches might not succeed.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you can't make the right sound after a few tries you might not succeed on this instrument.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might not succeed", consider the context to ensure the level of uncertainty is appropriately conveyed. 'Might' indicates a possibility, but not a certainty, of failure.

Common error

In highly formal or scientific writing, overuse of "might not succeed" can make your writing sound less confident. Consider using more definitive language if the evidence strongly suggests a particular outcome or if the conventions require a more assertive expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might not succeed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or uncertainty regarding a future outcome. It indicates that there is a chance of failure, but it is not a certainty. Ludwig confirms this is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might not succeed" is a versatile expression used to convey the possibility of failure or a lack of achievement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English writing. Its usage spans various contexts, with a notable presence in news, science, and academic domains. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the specific nuance and context to ensure it appropriately conveys the level of uncertainty. For more formal settings, alternatives like "risk failure" or "may not achieve the objective" might be more suitable. In summary, understanding the subtleties and potential alternatives of "might not succeed" can significantly enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may not succeed

Uses 'may' instead of 'might', indicating a slightly lower degree of possibility.

could fail

Directly states the possibility of failure, with 'could' suggesting a potential outcome.

might be unsuccessful

Replaces 'succeed' with its antonym 'unsuccessful', providing a more descriptive alternative.

might not work out

Emphasizes the process and outcome not aligning as desired.

might fall short

Focuses on not reaching a specific goal or standard.

risk failure

Highlights the presence of risk associated with the potential for failure.

might not achieve the objective

More formal and specific, focusing on the non-attainment of a defined objective.

might prove futile

Suggests that the effort may be wasted or ineffective.

might come to naught

A more literary expression indicating that efforts could result in nothing.

face the possibility of defeat

Highlights the confrontational aspect and potential for being defeated.

FAQs

How can I use "might not succeed" in a sentence?

"Might not succeed" indicates a possibility of failure. For example, "The experiment "might not succeed", but it's worth trying".

What are some alternatives to "might not succeed"?

Alternatives include "could fail", "may not succeed", or "might be unsuccessful". The best choice depends on the context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "might not succeed" or "may not succeed"?

Both "might not succeed" and "may not succeed" are grammatically correct and very similar in meaning. "Might" suggests a slightly lower probability compared to "may", but they are often interchangeable.

How formal is the phrase "might not succeed"?

The phrase "might not succeed" is suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, in very formal or scientific writing, more precise language may be preferred. For example use something like "risk failure".