failed to vs fail to

Both 'failed to' and 'fail to' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Failed to' is the past tense form and is used when referring to something that did not happen in the past. 'Fail to' is the base form and is used to indicate a current or future action that has not been completed.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 3880 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate something that was not accomplished in the past.

"failed to"

Use 'failed to' when referring to an action that was not completed in the past. For example, 'He failed to submit the report on time.'

Examples:

She failed to pass the exam last year.
The company failed to meet its sales targets.
He failed to show up for the meeting.
The project failed to deliver the expected results.
They failed to address the issue properly.

Show examples from the web [+]

failed to notice. star. see definition of failed to notice. Font size ... Synonyms for failed to notice. verb disregard ... More words related to failed to notice. overlook.
Excavation in Palestine has failed to furnish examples of Hebrew work. Her speech now failed her; but they thought she would have said something about the ...
To prove deficient or lacking; perform ineffectively or inadequately: failed to fulfill their promises; failed in their attempt to reach the summit. 2. a. To be ...
When installing the Creative Cloud desktop application, you receive an error such as "Creative Cloud Desktop Failed to Install," "Error Code 1," or "Error code: ...

Alternatives:

did not
was unable to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a current or future action that has not been completed.

"fail to"

Use 'fail to' when referring to an action that is not completed in the present or future. For example, 'If you fail to water the plants, they will die.'

Examples:

If you fail to submit the application on time, it will not be considered.
She will fail to meet the deadline if she doesn't start working on the project.
If they fail to address the issue now, it may escalate further.
He may fail to pass the exam if he doesn't study.
If the team fails to communicate effectively, the project will suffer.

Show examples from the web [+]

Particularly those that you fail to solve.
Antipsychotics fail to significantly improve the negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction.
Sometimes, antivirus programs fail to remove these viruses.
Something we frequently fail to acquire.
The installation probe may otherwise fail to find it.
» Software upgrades fail to support legacy files.
Their impersonality and structure fail to speak convincingly to many.
Their digestive systems frequently fail to process the food properly.
This will absolutely fail to respect international law.
Robert, you never fail to amaze me.
You never fail to nauseate me, boy.
It's unprofessional conduct for a prosecutor to fail to disclose...
That's a potential scenario if we fail to take this seriously.
But, nothing else will matter if we fail to protect the ocean.
And they conspicuously fail to mention the results.
You fail to connect actions to their consequences.
Don't fail to look us up in Los Angeles.
Some obscure meaning in this I fail to catch.
There was something I could scarcely fail to notice the last time I was in this house.
A crime you still fail to avenge?

Alternatives:

do not
do not succeed in

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failed to vs fail to

"failed to"

"fail to"

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