not succeed in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not succeed in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing failure to achieve a specific goal or outcome. Example: "Despite their best efforts, they did not succeed in completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They will not succeed in that goal".

The New York Times

"They did not succeed in destroying it.

The New Yorker

He did not succeed in staying away.

The New Yorker

We might not succeed in building a better future.

The New Yorker

Aquinas did not succeed in bridging the faith-reason gulf.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the Christians did not succeed in convincing the authorities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A counterterrorism strategy will not succeed in a political vacuum.

The New York Times

"You may not succeed in changing perceptions," she said.

The New York Times

Yet Carnot did not succeed in silencing the charges.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Murphy did not succeed in snagging the sale.

The New York Times

This time, Arafat will not succeed in fooling us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not succeed in", ensure that the specific area of failure is clearly defined. For instance, instead of saying "They did "not succeed in"", specify what they failed to achieve, such as "They did "not succeed in" securing the funding".

Common error

Avoid vague statements with "not succeed in". Clearly define what wasn't achieved to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of "The project did "not succeed in"", clarify with "The project did "not succeed in" meeting its initial objectives".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not succeed in" functions as a negative verb phrase indicating a failure to achieve a specific goal or outcome. It typically modifies a subject by stating what that subject was unable to accomplish. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not succeed in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express failure to achieve a specific objective. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase is versatile, appearing in various contexts, from News & Media to scientific reports, though its formality is generally neutral. When using "not succeed in", it is crucial to clearly specify the area of failure to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "fail to achieve" or "be unsuccessful in" can provide a more formal tone when necessary. This phrase is a reliable way to express a lack of success in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to achieve

Replaces "succeed" with its direct antonym and maintains the prepositional phrase structure, emphasizing the absence of accomplishment.

be unsuccessful in

Uses a more formal tone while conveying the same meaning of not achieving a desired outcome.

not manage to

Shifts the focus to the inability to handle or accomplish something, implying a lack of capability or effort.

fall short of

Emphasizes the gap between the intended goal and the actual result, highlighting the deficiency in performance.

prove unable to

Focuses on demonstrating the lack of ability to perform a specific task.

be defeated in

Suggests a stronger sense of opposition or competition where success was thwarted.

come to naught

Emphasizes that efforts were made, but ultimately yielded no positive result or value.

miss the mark

Uses an idiomatic expression that means failing to achieve a goal or target.

not measure up to

Conveys failing to meet expectations or standards.

miss out on

Highlights the lost opportunity or benefit due to the failure to succeed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not succeed in" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "fail to achieve", "be unsuccessful in", or "prove unable to". These alternatives offer a similar meaning while maintaining a professional register.

Is it better to say "not succeed in" or "fail in"?

Both "not succeed in" and "fail in" are grammatically correct, but "fail in" may sound slightly more direct or blunt. The choice depends on the desired tone and context. "Not succeed in" is often perceived as a softer way of expressing failure.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "not succeed in"?

A common mistake is failing to specify the area of failure clearly. Always ensure that the context makes it obvious what one did "not succeed in" doing. For instance, instead of a general statement, provide a specific detail, such as "They did "not succeed in" implementing the new strategy".

Can "not succeed in" be used in all types of writing?

Yes, "not succeed in" is versatile and suitable for various types of writing, from academic papers to casual communication. However, for highly formal or technical contexts, more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "fall short of" or "be defeated in" might be preferred.