we failed to get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we failed to get" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you try something and don't succeed. For example: "We failed to get the information we needed from the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"And so we failed to get any information".

The New York Times

We failed to get the bunt down to get him over, and the rest is history".

The Guardian - Sport

"We failed to get it right," Gerard J. Arpey, American's chief executive, said in a press conference on Thursday.

The New York Times

"When you see it on film, it was right there and we failed to get it done," Martin said.

The New York Times - Sports

We failed to get an upgrade so had to make do with procuring 15 tiny bottles of whisky by way of compensation.

The Guardian - Film

As if by magic, it somehow worked out, but despite our request for an "expedite approval" we failed to get in the App Store in time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

We fail to get our way on many issues, from America's gun laws to the legalisation of narcotics, but we advance those views nevertheless.

The Economist

If we fail to get some clarity and honesty to this question from either Brown, Cameron or Clegg, why should we vote blindly for a dishonest candidate?

The Guardian

"Or we fail to get an agreement and we trade on World Trade Organisation terms, which some people may think is not as good.

The Guardian

If we fail to get this relationship right, and nurture and develop it, the whole web of our foreign relations is incomplete.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think for each of us, if we fail somewhere, if we fail in a debate, or we fail to get the support of people, it's time to look in the mirror".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we failed to get" to clearly and directly communicate a lack of success in obtaining something. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid replacing "we failed to get" with unnecessarily complex or verbose alternatives, as this can dilute the message's impact and clarity. Simple phrasing is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we failed to get" functions as a statement indicating a lack of success in acquiring or obtaining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to express failure to achieve a specific goal. Examples show its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we failed to get" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that effectively communicates a lack of success in obtaining something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, ranging from formal to informal. While alternative phrases like "we were unable to obtain" or "we did not manage to acquire" exist for more formal situations, the original phrase remains a direct and versatile option. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overly complex phrasing that could dilute the message. It's found most frequently in News & Media and Science, indicating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were unable to obtain

Replaces "failed" with a more formal expression of inability.

we did not manage to acquire

Emphasizes the lack of successful management in acquiring something.

we couldn't secure

Highlights the inability to ensure or guarantee acquisition.

we didn't succeed in getting

Focuses on the lack of success in the process of obtaining.

we were unsuccessful in our attempt to get

Adds emphasis to the unsuccessful nature of the attempt.

we missed out on getting

Implies a lost opportunity to obtain something.

we were denied access to

Focuses on the denial of access as the reason for not getting something.

we proved incapable of achieving

Highlights a lack of capability in achieving the desired outcome.

it was beyond our reach to get

Emphasizes that getting something was not possible.

we fell short of receiving

Indicates that something was not fully received or attained.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we failed to get" in a formal context?

In formal situations, consider using phrases like "we were unable to obtain" or "we did not manage to acquire" for a more professional tone.

What are some less formal alternatives to "we failed to get"?

For informal contexts, try phrases such as "we missed out on getting" or "we couldn't secure".

Is it correct to say "we failed at getting" instead of "we failed to get"?

While "we failed at getting" isn't incorrect, "we failed to get" is more common and generally preferred. The former might be suitable if emphasizing the attempt rather than the result.

What is the difference between "we failed to get" and "we didn't try to get"?

"We failed to get" indicates an attempt was made but was unsuccessful. "We didn't try to get" implies no attempt was made at all. Therefore, they have distinct meanings.