that have failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that have failed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to things, processes, or individuals that did not succeed or meet expectations. Example: "The projects that have failed will be reviewed to understand the reasons behind their lack of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There have been stores that have failed, like Wunderkind.

The New York Times

"These are in patients that have failed everything.

The Guardian

Those retailers that have failed to keep up have suffered.

The New York Times

Thus, progesterone has joined the numerous neuroprotective candidates that have failed in clinical trials.

The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The number of large wind power schemes that have failed is growing.

Land Use Policy

Reconstructive surgery usually requires a prosthetic implant to replace or augment tissues that have failed.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

The car industry is littered with examples of marriages that have failed.

The Economist

But there's an equally long list of vital innovations that have failed to catch on.

The New Yorker

Second, we also consider a wider exit of other countries that have failed the euro test.

The Economist

Governments are unconvincingly shoring up expensive welfare states that have failed to match their promise.

The Economist

It has been public utilities, not private companies, that have failed the poor.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "that have failed", ensure the subject it modifies is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "the strategies that have failed" rather than just "those that have failed".

Common error

Avoid using "that has failed" when referring to multiple subjects. The correct form, "that have failed", reflects the plural nature of the subjects being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that have failed" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by providing additional information about it. Ludwig examples show its ability to specify and describe subjects that experienced unsuccessful outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that have failed" functions as a relative clause, effectively pinpointing entities marked by their lack of success. Ludwig AI analysis shows that this grammatically sound expression commonly appears in news, scientific, and business contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Alternatives such as "that didn't succeed" or "that were unsuccessful" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. When employing this phrase, guarantee accurate subject-verb agreement and clarity in defining the subject to maintain a professional and error-free writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that didn't succeed

Replaces "failed" with a more basic synonym, reducing formality.

that were unsuccessful

Uses a more formal adjective instead of the verb "failed".

that proved ineffective

Focuses on the lack of desired effect or outcome.

that didn't work

A more colloquial and general way of expressing failure.

that fell short

Implies not reaching a required standard or target.

that backfired

Suggests an unintended negative consequence of the failure.

that collapsed

Emphasizes a sudden and complete failure.

that were thwarted

Highlights external prevention of success.

that came to nothing

Indicates a lack of tangible results from an effort.

that have proven abortive

A more formal and less common way of describing failure to produce the intended result.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "that have failed"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "that didn't succeed" or "that didn't work" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "that have failed"?

It is appropriate to use "that have failed" when you want to describe multiple entities (projects, attempts, systems) that didn't achieve their intended outcome or meet expectations. Ensure correct subject-verb agreement.

How does "that have failed" differ from "that failed"?

"That failed" implies a completed action in the past, while "that have failed" suggests a process or ongoing situation that has resulted in failure up to the present. The latter requires a plural subject.

What are some formal alternatives to "that have failed"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "that were unsuccessful" or "that proved ineffective". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you wish to convey.