this fails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this fails" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not succeeded or has not met expectations. Example: "After several attempts to fix the issue, I have to conclude that this fails to resolve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This fails.

The New Yorker

This fails to convince.

The New Yorker

This fails in both counts.

The Guardian - Books

"If this fails, it's our fault.

The Washington Post

As a matter of emphasis, this fails.

The Guardian - Money

If this fails, pretend not to hear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This fails the common-sense test.

The Guardian

If this fails then raise an exception.

Harvard University

This fails to lighten the mood and Sarah sighs.

The Guardian - Travel

If this fails, take it up with your boss.

The New York Times - Magazine

If this fails, I wouldn't be as upset by it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this fails", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to, preventing ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "this fails" can sound too informal in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "proves ineffective" or "does not achieve the desired outcome" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this fails" functions primarily as a declarative statement indicating the lack of success or effectiveness of something. According to Ludwig AI, it's often used to express that a particular method, attempt, or strategy has not achieved its intended outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this fails" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to indicate a lack of success or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's essential to consider the formality of the context, as more sophisticated alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. Remember to clearly define "this" to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this doesn't work

A simple and direct way of saying something isn't effective.

this is unsuccessful

Replaces the verb "fails" with the adjective "unsuccessful" to describe the outcome.

this does not succeed

Uses the negation of the verb "succeed" to convey the lack of success.

this is a failure

Turns the verb into a noun, emphasizing the result as a failure.

this proves ineffective

Focuses on the lack of effectiveness rather than outright failure.

this falls short

Indicates that something doesn't reach the required standard or expectation.

this is to no avail

Employs a more formal idiom indicating that the effort was without positive result.

this comes to nothing

Suggests that something produces no valuable or positive outcome.

this is in vain

Similar to "to no avail", emphasizing the futility of the effort.

this is unproductive

Highlights the lack of positive output or results.

FAQs

How can I use "this fails" in a sentence?

You can use "this fails" to indicate that a particular method, attempt, or strategy has not been successful. For example, "The initial strategy seemed promising, but ultimately, "this fails" to deliver the expected results."

What are some alternatives to using "this fails"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this is unsuccessful", "this does not succeed", or "this proves ineffective", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "this fails" or "this does not work"?

Both "this fails" and "this doesn't work" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "This fails" might be slightly more formal, while "this doesn't work" is more conversational.

What does "this fails to capture" mean?

"This fails to capture" means that something does not adequately represent or include a particular aspect or detail. For example, "The current analysis "this fails to capture" the complexity of the situation."