"they failed to turn up" vs "will fail to turn up"

Question

"they failed to turn up" vs "will fail to turn up"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'They failed to turn up' is used to describe a past event where someone did not arrive as expected. 'Will fail to turn up' is used to talk about a future event where someone is expected not to arrive. So, the choice between the two depends on whether you are referring to a past or future situation.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to talk about a situation in the past where someone did not show up or arrive as planned.

Examples:

They failed to turn up for the meeting yesterday.
I waited for hours, but they failed to turn up at the party.

Alternatives:

They didn't show up
They didn't arrive as planned

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is not going to show up or arrive as planned in the future.

Examples:

I'm afraid they will fail to turn up for the party tomorrow.
She will fail to turn up for the appointment if she doesn't leave now.

Alternatives:

They won't show up
They won't arrive as planned

Answer 1

they failed to turn up

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a situation where someone did not arrive as expected in the past.

Answer 2

will fail to turn up

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about a future event where someone is expected not to arrive.

"they failed to turn up" vs "will fail to turn up"

they failed to turn up

will fail to turn up

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