upon failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"upon failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the consequences of something that has not been achieved. For example, "If the project is not completed within the set timeframe, then drastic penalties will be enforced upon failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Default upon failure to answer.

Cornell University

§ 31.10 Default upon failure to answer.

Cornell University

Default upon failure to file an answer.

Cornell University

(6 Liability upon failure to withhold.

Cornell University

§ 71.10 Default upon failure to file an answer.

Cornell University

15 CFR § 25.10 - Default upon failure to file an answer.

Cornell University

45 CFR § 79.10 - Default upon failure to file an answer.

Cornell University

49 CFR § 31.10 - Default upon failure to answer.

Cornell University

From the creditors' perspective, Greek privatisation has been failure heaped upon failure.

The Guardian - Business

Many of those attending also touched upon failure and the need to learn from it.

The Guardian

This function returns the associated file number, or -1 upon failure.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon failure" to clearly indicate the immediate consequence or action taken when something does not succeed. For example, "Upon failure of the primary system, the backup will activate."

Common error

Avoid using "upon failure" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "if it fails" or "when it doesn't work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon failure" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating a condition that triggers a specific action or consequence. It sets the stage for what occurs if something is unsuccessful, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's validation of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

Academia

23%

News & Media

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upon failure" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its function is to signal the immediate consequences of an unsuccessful outcome. Predominantly used in scientific, academic, and news-related contexts, it maintains a formal tone. For improved clarity, consider the best practice of defining the specific action which happens after the condition of "upon failure" happens. While it's a valid phrase, avoid using it in very informal contexts, where it could sound awkward. Consider alternatives such as "in the event of failure" or "if failure occurs" for similar meaning. This detailed analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use "upon failure" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the event of failure

This alternative uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the failure.

in case of failure

This phrase is similar to "in the event of failure" but slightly less formal.

if failure occurs

This phrase is more direct and conditional, highlighting the possibility of failure.

should it fail

This alternative is more concise and slightly more formal.

if unsuccessful

This option replaces "failure" with its adjectival form, focusing on the lack of success.

on failing

This alternative is more concise and uses a gerund.

following a failure

This phrase emphasizes the sequence of events, with failure preceding a subsequent action.

after failing

This alternative is similar to "following a failure" but slightly less formal.

when it fails

This is a more straightforward and less formal option.

in the aftermath of failure

This phrase suggests a broader scope of consequences resulting from the failure.

FAQs

How to use "upon failure" in a sentence?

The phrase "upon failure" introduces what happens when something doesn't succeed. For example, "Upon failure of the negotiations, the company will explore other options".

What can I say instead of "upon failure"?

You can use alternatives like "in the event of failure", "if failure occurs", or "should it fail" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "upon failure" or "in failure"?

"Upon failure" is the correct and more common phrase. "In failure" is not typically used in standard English.

What's the difference between "upon failure" and "after failure"?

"Upon failure" suggests an immediate consequence, while "after failure" implies a period of time has passed. "Upon failure, the system switches to backup. "After failure", an investigation was launched".