sure to fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sure to fail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or plan that is highly likely to result in failure. Example: "Without proper funding and support, the project is sure to fail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

One without faith is sure to fail.

The Economist

First, be sure to fail big.

The New York Times

First off, nothing was "sure to fail" back in 2007.

The Economist

At first glance he seems sure to fail.

The Guardian - Tech

"Sure to fail" and "the longest of long shots," declared The Birmingham News.

The New York Times - Sports

A normal finesse was sure to fail, so the backward variety was indicated.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

And he wanted to be sure not to fail at that, too.

The New York Times

But ignoring them is a sure way to fail.

TechCrunch

"The only sure way to fail is to stop making bold innovations".

Forbes

One sure way to fail at this is to be guilty of the very same (or a relevantly similar) transgression as the one you are condemning.

SEP

One sure way to fail is to not do anything.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sure to fail", ensure the context clearly indicates what will fail and why. Specificity enhances the impact and clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "sure to fail" when the outcome is merely uncertain or speculative. Reserve it for situations where there is strong evidence or logical reasoning to support the prediction of failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sure to fail" functions as a predictive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high likelihood of failure. Ludwig examples show it used in diverse contexts from politics to finance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sure to fail" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to predict the high likelihood of an unsuccessful outcome. Ludwig's examples show that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While its use is straightforward, remember to employ it judiciously, ensuring that the context warrants such a strong assertion of certainty. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase for describing situations highly likely to result in failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bound to collapse

Emphasizes the inevitability of a structure or system failing.

doomed to defeat

Highlights the predetermination of failing, often in a competitive or combative context.

destined to flop

Implies a predetermined failure, particularly in creative or commercial endeavors.

certain to backfire

Focuses on the negative repercussions of a failure, suggesting unintended consequences.

guaranteed to disappoint

Highlights the disappointment resulting from the inevitable failure.

set up for disaster

Suggests that the conditions are in place for a failure to occur, indicating a lack of preparedness or planning.

going to fall short

Indicates that the goal or objective will not be achieved, implying a deficiency or inadequacy.

headed for a crash

Suggests an imminent and catastrophic failure, often in a financial or operational context.

in line for setbacks

Highlights upcoming difficulties and failures that are on track.

programmed to break down

Suggests the failure will occur as part of its design.

FAQs

How can I use "sure to fail" in a sentence?

You can use "sure to fail" to describe something with a high probability of failure, for example: "Without adequate funding, the project is "sure to fail"".

What's a good alternative to "sure to fail"?

Alternatives include "destined to fail", "bound to fail", or "certain to fail". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it too strong to say "sure to fail"?

The phrase "sure to fail" expresses a high degree of certainty, so use it when there is strong evidence to support this claim. Otherwise, consider a less definitive phrase.

What is the difference between "likely to fail" and "sure to fail"?

"Likely to fail" indicates a higher probability of failure, whereas "sure to fail" implies an almost absolute certainty of failure. "Sure to fail" is a much stronger statement.