Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
on going failure
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "on going failure" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form is "ongoing failure," which can be used to describe a failure that is continuous or persistent. Example: "The project faced an ongoing failure due to lack of resources and support from management."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
Thomas's long run from deep has been in vain but he will keep on trying to make these late runs, keep on going, as if each failure is motivation enough to try again, to try better, even if it means failing again, failing better.
News & Media
The sea exemplifies the world's on-going failure to govern shared natural resources.
News & Media
The comedy legends line up and spill their guts: how they got their start; how they managed to get their sea legs; how they bombed in the early days but kept on going after those miserable failures in front of hostile comedy club audiences; how skunks can improve their personal hygiene.
News & Media
We aim for wearable technology that everyone can put on and go without failure, as easy as the iPod.
News & Media
The former official went on, "His failure as President on AIDS is incredible.
News & Media
Lew has gone from failure to failure.
News & Media
What's going on is perpetual failure of imagination and of trust.
News & Media
And Chertoff compounded the deception by insinuating that " The fact that we didn't have assets on the ground, trained people, proper equipment, to immediately send back messages about what was going on," was a failure of "the department".
News & Media
The questions that arise about the morality of the strike are: despite the government's failure, is going on strike a collective responsibility of all three entities?
Science
"We're signaling that there's a failure going on when people are leaving without adequate plans to get their needs met".
News & Media
Individualist strikes out of the ordinary, out of their imagination, and out of keeping with so much of the caution, the fear of failure, going on all around them.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always use the correct form, "ongoing failure", to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity in your writing.
Common error
Avoid using "on going" as two separate words when you mean "ongoing". "Ongoing" is a single word adjective that correctly describes something that is currently happening or continuing.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "on going failure" is grammatically incorrect as it should be written as "ongoing failure". It attempts to function as a noun phrase where "ongoing" acts as an adjective describing the nature of the failure.
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
The phrase "on going failure" is grammatically incorrect and should be written as "ongoing failure". As Ludwig AI highlights, the correct form, "ongoing failure", is used to describe a continuous or persistent failure. Using the correct adjective form, "ongoing", ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy in writing. Alternative phrases like "continuous failure" or "persistent failure" can also be used depending on the specific context.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
continuous failure
Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the failure.
persistent failure
Highlights the stubborn and recurring nature of the failure.
recurring failure
Focuses on the repetition of the failure.
chronic failure
Suggests a long-lasting and deeply ingrained failure.
unending failure
Implies that the failure has no foreseeable end.
sustained failure
Indicates that the failure is being maintained over time.
protracted failure
Highlights the prolonged duration of the failure.
constant failure
Stresses the consistent and unchanging nature of the failure.
incessant failure
Conveys the relentless and unstopping nature of the failure.
never-ending failure
Similar to "unending failure", emphasizing the lack of a conclusion.
FAQs
What's the correct way to write about a failure that is continuing?
The correct term is "ongoing failure", using "ongoing" as a single-word adjective to describe the continuous nature of the failure.
Is "on going" ever correct in English?
Yes, but not when you mean "ongoing". "On going" would only be correct if "going" is a gerund and part of a verb phrase, such as "He insisted on going to the store."
What are some alternatives to "ongoing failure"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "persistent failure", "continuous failure", or "recurring failure".
How does "ongoing failure" differ from "single failure"?
"Ongoing failure" indicates a failure that is happening continuously or repeatedly, whereas "single failure" refers to a one-time event.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested