we failed

USAGE SUMMARY

"we failed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to express the fact that a person or a group of people did not succeed in their attempt to do something. Here are a few examples: 1. Despite our best efforts, we failed to win the championship for the third year in a row. 2. I'm sorry, we failed to meet our sales target for the month. 3. In the end, we failed to come to a compromise and the negotiations fell through. 4. We failed to anticipate the impact of the pandemic on our business. 5. We failed to take into account the potential risks involved in the project. 6. Unfortunately, we failed to save enough money for our dream vacation. 7. We failed to follow the proper procedures and as a result, our application was rejected. 8. As a team, we failed to effectively communicate and complete the project on time. 9. We failed to see eye to eye on the issue, but we eventually found a solution. 10. Despite our setbacks, we failed forward and learned valuable lessons along the way.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"But we failed".

The New Yorker

"We failed," he said.

The New York Times

"But we failed anyway.

The New Yorker

No, we failed.

The New York Times - Sports

Tonight, we failed him".

The New York Times - Sports

Ultimately, we failed.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"If we fail, we fail.

The Guardian

Where did we fail?

The New York Times

If we fail, we learn.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We fail, but we fail forward.

The New York Times - Magazine

And here, we fail.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we failed", be specific about the context of the failure. Clearly state what the attempt was and what the desired outcome was. This provides clarity and helps the audience understand the implications of the failure.

Common error

Avoid using "we failed" without providing sufficient context. Overgeneralizing can lead to confusion or misinterpretations. Instead of saying "We failed", specify "We failed to meet the deadline for the project" to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we failed" functions as a declarative statement expressing the lack of success in an endeavor. As noted by Ludwig, it is a common expression used to convey that a goal was not achieved or an attempt was unsuccessful. It typically consists of a subject pronoun ("we") and a verb in the past tense ("failed").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we failed" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to express a lack of success or achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability. It's found predominantly in news and media, academic writings, and formal business communications. While the phrase itself is neutral, context is crucial for conveying the specific nature and implications of the failure. Remember to provide context for clarity and avoid overgeneralization when using "we failed" in your writing. Consider alternatives like "we were unsuccessful" or "we fell short" for varying levels of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were unsuccessful

Replaces "failed" with a more formal synonym, "unsuccessful".

we did not succeed

Expresses the lack of success in a more direct and literal way.

we didn't make it

An informal way of saying that an attempt was not successful.

we fell short of our goal

Indicates that the intended target or objective was not reached.

we were unable to achieve our objective

A formal expression emphasizing the inability to accomplish a specific objective.

we didn't accomplish our mission

Indicates a failure to complete a specific task or assignment.

our efforts were in vain

Highlights the futility of the attempt, suggesting that the effort was wasted.

we came up short

An idiomatic way of saying that an attempt was not quite successful.

we proved inadequate

Suggests a lack of the necessary qualities or skills for success.

our attempt was a fiasco

Implies a complete and embarrassing failure.

FAQs

How can I use "we failed" in a sentence?

You can use "we failed" to express the lack of success in an attempt or endeavor. For example, "Despite our best efforts, "we failed" to reach our sales target this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "we failed"?

Alternatives include "we were unsuccessful", "we did not succeed", or "we fell short", depending on the context.

Is "we failed" formal or informal?

"We failed" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "we were unsuccessful" might be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "we failed" and "we attempted"?

"We attempted" simply means that an effort was made, without indicating the outcome. "We failed" indicates that the attempt was made, but it was not successful. Therefore, you could say "We attempted to climb the mountain, but "we failed"".