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to fail vs to be failed

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'To fail' is used when someone does not succeed in achieving a goal or passing a test. 'To be failed' is used when someone is not successful in a particular situation due to external factors or when someone else causes the failure.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 2103 views

to fail

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when someone does not succeed in achieving a goal or passing a test.

Examples:

  • He failed the exam because he didn't study.
  • The project failed due to lack of funding.
  • You had to know this Union scheme was doomed to fail.
  • - this job is bound to fail.
  • You mean plenty of ways to fail.
  • I have sacrificed too much to fail now.
  • Without these things, we're bound to fail.
  • I have yet to fail... at defusing one.
  • Some men are destined to fail, John.
  • They were also doomed to fail right from the start.
  • 'I do not believe we are destined to fail.
  • This whole janitor gambit was designed to fail.
  • That is why you're destined to fail.
  • Finally a compliment, and it's on my ability to fail.
  • Since Quantico, you have managed to fail both upward and downward by virtue of a nonexistent arrest record.
  • Some people are just destined to fail.
  • April, just... this marriage is doomed to fail.
  • We didn't come this far to fail.
  • Football... Is not too big to fail.
  • Those who do not are doomed to fail.
  • Your plan is bound to fail.
  • Your silk application is... unlikely to fail.

Alternatives:

  • to not succeed
  • to be unsuccessful
  • to fall short

to be failed

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when someone is not successful in a particular situation due to external factors or when someone else causes the failure.

Examples:

  • The students were failed by the teacher because of cheating.
  • The company was failed by the government regulations.
  • I just had to be sure they failed.
  • Furthermore, to the best of my knowledge, no agreement between the European Union and third countries has to date failed to be signed because the legal framework implemented in a given case has been inadequate.
  • Since you failed to be one 20 years ago.
  • These problems are significant and typified by Eurostat and have failed to be addressed.
  • Significant biological effects failed to be identified.
  • When replying to my Question P-4154/05 of 20 December 2005, the Commission failed to be specific and gave only evasive answers.
  • The Treaty of Nice has failed to be adopted.
  • These ratios appeared to be very conservative and failed to take account of BGB's specific problems.
  • And mention was failed to be made of this uncanny crew.
  • I trained Vaun and the others to be better; they failed us.
  • Once again, in my mother's eyes, I had failed to be good.
  • It failed to be ratified however due to a rejection of the text in popular referendums in France and the Netherlands in 2005.
  • This was an absurd way to settle the burden-sharing issue and thus also failed to be supported by a majority of the Council.
  • Watched as we have taken what was to be a paradise and failed in our responsibilities as its steward.
  • He was about to be expelled because he failed my course.
  • This is a unique situation - until now no European agency has ever failed to be granted discharge.
  • Economic policy coordination is to be built on the failed principles of the Stability and Growth Pact.
  • The official EPA review due to be completed last December failed to provide a full and comprehensive report of the status of negotiations.
  • when the duty to prevent infringement failed to be fulfilled
  • Under those circumstances, the Italian State is to be regarded as having failed to fulfil its obligations under that provision.

Alternatives:

  • to be unsuccessful due to
  • to be let down by
  • to be unsuccessful because of

Related Comparisons

is never failed vs will never fail waive vs waived fail to learn vs learn to fail I don’t want to mislead anyone. vs want to mislead anyone. will fail vs will failing breakwater vs jetty

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