several failed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several failed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing instances where multiple individuals or entities did not succeed in accomplishing a task or meeting an expectation. Example: "Several failed to meet the project deadline, which caused delays for the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Several failed to contradict him.

The Economist

Some remain in training, but several failed to graduate and two recent classes finished with no women remaining.

Los Angeles Times

Even the largest of these was only powered to detect an absolute PFS benefit of 15% [3]; several failed to recruit the targeted sample size.

European Urology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Look, I want to help you," he said, after several failed attempts to get her to acknowledge her pimp.

The New York Times

Miller has several times failed to get the necessary votes for induction from various veteran committees.

The New York Times - Sports

After several failed attempts to make it to Italy and Greece, they crossed the border into Bulgaria.

BBC

BP ultimately sealed its well after several techniques failed to stop the gusher.

The Guardian

Several drugs failed to stop the cancer, while leaving him frail, depleted and ill.

The New York Times

Stronger earnings news from several companies failed to help the markets keep their momentum.

The New York Times

He has repeated familiar gestures, submitted works shorter than expected, and, on several occasions, failed to deliver commissions on schedule.

The New Yorker

With a coy smile, Duno pointed out that several drivers failed to make the 33-car field this year — all men.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several failed to", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subjects failed to do. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "several failed to" without clearly specifying who or what "several" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader and weaken the statement's effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several failed to" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a certain number of entities or individuals did not succeed in accomplishing a specific task or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several failed to" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that communicates the lack of success on the part of multiple entities. While less frequent, it appears mostly in News & Media and Science contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it can be used in written English. For variety, consider alternatives like "a few didn't manage to" or "some did not succeed in", adjusting formality as needed. Always ensure clarity by specifying who or what "several" refers to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few didn't manage to

Replaces "several" with "a few" for a slightly smaller quantity, and uses "didn't manage to" instead of "failed to".

some did not succeed in

Substitutes "several" with "some" and "failed" with "did not succeed", offering a more formal tone.

a number were unable to

Replaces "several" with "a number" and "failed" with "unable", indicating an inability rather than a failure of effort.

many did not achieve

Uses "many" instead of "several", suggesting a larger quantity, and replaces "failed to" with "did not achieve", focusing on the lack of accomplishment.

various ones didn't accomplish

Employs "various ones" instead of "several", and "didn't accomplish" in place of "failed to", giving a slightly less formal feel.

quite a few couldn't complete

Replaces "several" with "quite a few" and substitutes "failed to" with "couldn't complete", suggesting a lack of ability to finish.

a couple didn't reach

Uses "a couple" instead of "several", reducing the quantity, and replaces "failed to" with "didn't reach", emphasizing a missed target or goal.

certain individuals were unsuccessful at

Offers a more formal and specific alternative, replacing "several" with "certain individuals" and "failed to" with "were unsuccessful at".

a portion did not pass

Substitutes "several" with "a portion" and "failed to" with "did not pass", often used in the context of tests or evaluations.

some weren't able to pull off

Replaces "several" with "some" and substitutes "failed to" with the more informal "weren't able to pull off", suggesting difficulty or challenge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "several failed to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "a number were unable to" or "certain individuals were unsuccessful at" depending on the specific context. Using more precise language enhances the professionalism of your writing.

What's a less formal way to say "several failed to"?

In less formal settings, you might use phrases like "some didn't manage to" or "a few couldn't complete" to convey the same meaning. The choice depends on the audience and the desired level of casualness.

Is it better to use "several failed to" or "many failed to"?

The choice between "several failed to" and "many failed to" depends on the quantity you wish to convey. "Several" implies a smaller number than "many". Choose the word that best reflects the actual number of unsuccessful attempts or individuals.

How do I use "several failed to" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what "several" refers to and what they failed to do. For example, "Several applicants failed to meet the requirements" is clear and concise.