If they failed vs If they fail

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'If they failed' is used to talk about a past hypothetical situation, while 'if they fail' is used to discuss a present or future hypothetical situation. It doesn't make sense to directly compare them as they refer to different time frames.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 4820 views

If they failed

This phrase is correct and commonly used to talk about a past hypothetical situation.

This phrase is used when discussing a hypothetical situation that did not happen in the past. It is often used to speculate about what could have occurred if a different outcome had taken place.

Examples:

If they failed to submit the report on time, the project would have been delayed.
If they failed to pass the exam, they would have had to retake it.

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So devoted to the company that they would commit hara-kiri if they failed it.
I warned the brothers what would happen if they failed.
In principle, firms could conceivably be required to pay a charge if they failed to invest sufficiently in research.
In one study, they told us they would probably cheat the next time instead of studying more if they failed a test.
It has been suggested that the relevant UK Government department told Ernst & Young that they would not be prosecuted if they failed to consult sufficiently.
Even if they failed to protect a child?
In industry, businesses would be out of the running if they failed to invest in the future.
If so, what consequences would Member States face if they failed to comply?
Their job was to protect their lord and his family and to kill themselves in shame if they failed.
Even I would have to concede, though, that on VAT issues such as those covered by this report, they would at least not have the excuse of blaming Brussels if they failed to follow through on what is permitted under these proposals.
Given the pressure on Community stockbreeders, it would be totally dishonest to allow consignments of meat to enter the Community market if they failed to meet the minimum requirements agreed by the European Union with third countries.
And if they failed, another and another.
What if they failed?
According to the Law on prevention of corruption, Banka Slovenije's Governor could also be dismissed if they failed to provide or update their declaration of wealth and/ or information on ancillary activities.
If the proposal were to be accepted, farmers would be penalised if they failed to comply with any of the directives, of which there are about forty, that they would be called upon to observe.

If they fail

This phrase is correct and commonly used to discuss a present or future hypothetical situation.

This phrase is used when discussing a hypothetical situation that may happen in the present or future. It is often used to speculate about potential outcomes or consequences.

Examples:

If they fail to complete the project on time, there will be consequences.
If they fail to meet the requirements, they may not be eligible for the scholarship.

Show examples from the web [+]

If they fail, your conscience is clear.
If they fail, Lassard's out.
In the past the Commission has threatened these five EU governments with legal action if they fail to lift the ban.
Can the Commission confirm the stage reached in Bulgaria's implementation of the Habitats Directive and, if they fail to comply with EC law, can it state what penalties will be imposed on the Bulgarian authorities?
If they fail, it will almost certainly mean war.
If they fail to hold him, he could arrive at any time.
If they fail, you fail.
If they fail, they devolve that's why you could smell the clay from the Kitsune's cave.
Well... - What happens if they fail?
In particular how can entrepreneurs learn from mistakes and failures, and if they fail once, be encouraged to continue and learn from those mistakes?
If they fail to understand that we bring them mathematically infallible happiness it will be our duty to compel them to be happy.
If they fail to do so they will be consigned to history as foolish cowards.
If they fail to do so, the support we recently promised must be reconsidered.
If they fail on the battlefield, they will bring shame upon all of Astapor.
If they fail to return her, this is the best way for us to follow them.
If they fail to generate new ideas and devise novel approaches, their problems will only multiply further.
If they fail to perform, they have somebody to answer to.
If they fail to produce such a certificate, their chances of obtaining work vanish.
If they fail to kill him, I'll go to the Serbs.
If they fail to kill him, I'll go to the Serbs.

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If they failed vs If they fail

If they failed

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