"to fail" vs "to be failed"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

to not succeed
to be unsuccessful
to fall short

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

to fail

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

to be failed

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"to fail" vs "to be failed"

to fail

to be failed

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