what failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what failed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific failure or issue that occurred in a process, project, or system. Example: "After reviewing the project outcomes, we need to analyze what failed in our strategy to ensure better results next time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

What failed?

The Guardian

What failed tomaterialize on May 21 23.

The New York Times

What failed this time were markets.

The New York Times - Magazine

Officials are now asking what failed.

The New York Times

"We don't know yet what failed," said Alemany.

The Guardian

"We don't know yet what failed," Alemany said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

What fails in Europe will surely work in China.

The Guardian - Arts

That confounds those who believe that market forces alone can determine what works and what fails.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's actually an easy formula for figuring out what fails.

Vice

Ask yourself what succeeds and what fails in every example.

WikiHow

So what ventures failed?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what failed", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect or element is being referred to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "what failed" without specifying the subject; instead of saying "What failed was obvious", specify: "What failed in the experiment was the control group's protocol."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what failed" functions as a relative clause acting as a noun phrase. It introduces the specific element or aspect that did not succeed, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what failed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to pinpoint elements that were unsuccessful. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific discussions. Analysis reveals that while its register remains neutral, its purpose is to precisely identify specific shortcomings. When using "what failed", clarity is key; ensure the subject of the failure is explicitly stated to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "what went wrong" or "what didn't work" can offer subtle shifts in tone. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for effective communication when dissecting and learning from past failures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what went wrong

Focuses on the process or actions that led to the failure.

what didn't work

A more informal way of expressing that something was unsuccessful.

what backfired

Highlights the unintended negative consequences of an action.

what fell through

Implies that plans or arrangements did not materialize.

what proved unsuccessful

A more formal and objective assessment of failure.

what was deficient

Emphasizes the lack of necessary qualities or elements.

where the error lies

Focuses on identifying the specific location or source of the mistake.

what was ineffective

Indicates that something did not produce the desired effect.

what malfunctioned

Suggests a breakdown or improper functioning of a system or device.

what miscarried

Implies a plan or endeavor that went awry or did not achieve its intended outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "what failed" to introduce the subject that was not successful. For example, "What failed was the initial strategy" or "We need to analyze what failed during the experiment".

What can I say instead of "what failed"?

Alternatives include "what went wrong", "what didn't work", or "what proved unsuccessful", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "what failed" or "what was a failure"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "What failed" typically introduces a clause describing the failure itself, while "what was a failure" emphasizes the classification of something as a failure. For example, "What failed was the communication strategy" versus "What was a failure was the entire project plan".

What's the difference between "what failed" and "why it failed"?

"What failed" focuses on the thing that was unsuccessful, whereas "why it failed" focuses on the reasons for the lack of success. "What failed was the engine" identifies the component; "Why it failed was due to lack of maintenance" identifies the cause.