Explanation at your level:
When you try to do something but it does not happen, you fail. If a person is 'he' or 'she', we say 'he fails' or 'she fails'. It is like when you try to catch a ball but you miss. It is not good, but it happens to everyone. You can say, 'My pen fails to write.' It just means it does not work. Keep trying and you will do better next time!
The word fails is used when something does not work. If a car fails, it stops running. If a student fails a test, they did not get the right answers. We often use it with the word 'to'. For example, 'He fails to finish his work.' It is a simple way to say something did not go right. You can use it at school or when talking about your computer.
In this level, you will see fails used in more complex sentences. It often describes systems or people not meeting expectations. For example, 'The company fails to provide good service.' It is a very useful verb for describing problems in daily life or work. Remember that 'fails' is only for singular subjects like 'it' or 'she'. If you are talking about a group, you must use 'fail' instead. It is a neutral word, so it is fine to use in most situations.
At the B2 level, you should notice how fails is used in professional contexts. It is common in technical writing to describe equipment malfunction, such as 'The power supply fails under pressure.' It is also used to express disappointment in social situations, like 'He fails to recognize the importance of the meeting.' Using this word correctly shows that you can accurately describe when an objective is not reached. It is slightly more formal than saying 'doesn't work' or 'messes up'.
Using fails at an advanced level allows for nuance. You might use it in academic or literary contexts to describe a breakdown of logic or character. For example, 'The protagonist fails to overcome his internal conflict.' It can also be used figuratively to describe abstract concepts, such as 'The argument fails to convince the jury.' Understanding the difference between 'fails' and synonyms like 'flops' or 'miscarries' is key. 'Fails' is the most standard and versatile choice for almost any context where a goal is not achieved.
At the mastery level, fails is a precise tool for critique. You might use it to discuss systemic issues, such as 'The infrastructure fails the community.' It carries a weight of responsibility. Etymologically, it connects to the idea of 'falling short' or 'being found wanting.' In literature, it can describe a tragic flaw or a lack of moral fortitude. Whether describing a mechanical failure or a failure of nerve, the word is essential for nuanced expression. It bridges the gap between simple error and profound disappointment, making it a staple of high-level English discourse.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Means to be unsuccessful.
- Used for people and machines.
- Third-person singular is 'fails'.
- Commonly followed by 'to'.
When we use the word fails, we are usually talking about a lack of success. Whether it is a person trying to pass a test or a car engine that won't start, the core meaning is that something did not go as planned.
You can think of it as the opposite of succeeding. It is a very common word because, in life, things do not always work perfectly! Whether it is a human error or a mechanical breakdown, 'fails' captures that moment where the result falls short of the goal.
The word 'fail' has a fascinating journey through history. It comes from the Old French word faillir, which means 'to be wanting' or 'to run out'. This traces back even further to the Latin word fallere, which meant 'to deceive' or 'to trip up'.
Over centuries, the meaning shifted from 'deceiving' to 'missing a mark'. It entered English around the 13th century. It is interesting to see how a word that once implied a trick or a mistake evolved into our modern way of describing any kind of unsuccessful outcome.
You will hear fails used in many different settings. In a formal report, you might say, 'The system fails to meet safety standards.' In casual conversation, you might say, 'He fails every time he tries to cook.' It is a versatile verb.
Commonly, it is paired with the word 'to' followed by an action, such as 'fails to arrive' or 'fails to understand.' It is a neutral word, meaning it is not necessarily rude, but it is direct. Use it when you need to clearly state that a requirement was not met.
Idioms often use the root 'fail' to add color to speech.
- Without fail: Doing something every single time, like 'I go for a run without fail.'
- Fail-safe: A system designed to stop working safely if something goes wrong.
- Fail to see: To not understand a point, as in 'I fail to see the humor.'
- Never fails: Something that is always reliable, like 'This recipe never fails.'
- Fail miserably: To do something very poorly.
'Fails' is the third-person singular present form. Use it with 'he', 'she', 'it', or a singular noun. For example, 'The machine fails' vs 'The machines fail'. The IPA is /feɪlz/ in both British and American English.
It rhymes with 'nails', 'tails', 'sales', 'pails', and 'wails'. The stress is always on the single syllable. Remember that the 's' at the end makes a 'z' sound, which is a common point of confusion for new learners.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with the word 'false'.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'a' sound followed by a 'z' sound.
Clear 'a' sound like 'day' followed by a 'z'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 's' as 's' instead of 'z'.
- Making the 'a' sound too long.
- Dropping the 'l' sound.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Third-Person Singular
He fails.
Infinitive Verbs
Fails to go.
Subject-Verb Agreement
They fail.
Examples by Level
The light fails.
The light stops working.
Third-person singular.
He fails the test.
He did not pass.
Verb usage.
The car fails to start.
The car won't turn on.
Infinitive pattern.
It fails every time.
It never works.
Frequency adverb.
She fails to listen.
She does not hear.
Subject-verb agreement.
The plan fails.
The idea did not work.
Singular subject.
The clock fails.
The clock stopped.
Simple present.
He fails his goal.
He missed his target.
Direct object.
The engine fails during the race.
She fails to understand the rules.
The computer fails to load the page.
He fails his math exam.
The system fails when it is hot.
The project fails because of bad planning.
The battery fails after one hour.
It fails to impress the audience.
The bridge fails to support the weight.
He fails to see the point of the argument.
The company fails to meet its targets.
She fails to arrive on time.
The medicine fails to cure the illness.
The plan fails due to lack of funds.
The actor fails to remember his lines.
The alarm fails to sound.
The democracy fails when citizens stop voting.
He fails to acknowledge the help he received.
The software fails to detect the virus.
The policy fails to address the core problem.
She fails to maintain her composure.
The structure fails under extreme stress.
The experiment fails to produce results.
The negotiation fails to reach a deal.
The logic fails to account for human error.
The narrative fails to resonate with the reader.
The argument fails to persuade the committee.
The institution fails to protect the vulnerable.
The strategy fails to anticipate the market shift.
The artist fails to capture the true essence.
The system fails to adapt to new data.
The hero fails to save the day.
The morality of the act fails to justify the means.
The grand design fails to account for entropy.
The legacy of the empire fails to survive time.
The theory fails to withstand rigorous scrutiny.
The spirit fails when hope is lost.
The foundation fails to support the weight of history.
The promise fails to materialize into action.
The vision fails to inspire the masses.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"without fail"
always
I call home without fail.
neutral"fail-safe"
a backup system
We need a fail-safe.
technical"fail to see"
not understand
I fail to see your point.
formal"never fails"
always works
This trick never fails.
casual"fail the grade"
not good enough
That idea fails the grade.
idiomatic"fail to materialize"
not happen
The money fails to materialize.
formalEasily Confused
similar sound
falls = drop down, fails = not succeed
He falls down. He fails the test.
similar sound
feels = emotion, fails = error
He feels happy. He fails the test.
spelling
fails = verb, failure = noun
It fails. It is a failure.
similar sound
files = documents, fails = error
He organizes files. He fails the test.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + fails + to + verb
He fails to arrive.
Subject + fails + noun
He fails the exam.
It + fails + adverb
It fails miserably.
Subject + fails + due to + noun
It fails due to rain.
Subject + fails + in + gerund
He fails in trying.
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Verwandt
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
Third-person singular needs an 's'.
Plural subjects do not take 's'.
Use the base verb after 'to'.
Use 'to' + verb, not 'of'.
Direct object follows the verb.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a broken robot failing to walk.
Native Speakers
They use it for anything that doesn't work.
Cultural Insight
Failure is often seen as a learning step.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'to' + verb.
Say It Right
End with a buzzing 'z' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't forget the 's' for singular.
Did You Know?
It comes from 'to fall short'.
Study Smart
Use it in sentences about your day.
Expand
Learn 'failure' as the noun form.
Better Writing
Use 'fails to' for clearer sentences.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Fail = First Attempt In Learning
Visual Association
A red 'F' on a test paper.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Write three sentences about things that failed today.
Wortherkunft
Latin/French
Original meaning: To deceive or fall short
Kultureller Kontext
Can be harsh if used personally.
Used frequently in business and education.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- system fails
- fails to meet
- fails to deliver
at school
- fails the test
- fails the grade
- fails to learn
technology
- power fails
- connection fails
- fails to load
daily life
- never fails
- fails to show
- fails to understand
Conversation Starters
"What happens when a plan fails?"
"Have you ever failed a test?"
"Why do machines fail?"
"Is it okay to fail?"
"What do you do when something fails?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you failed.
Describe a machine that failed you.
Why is failing important?
How do you help someone who failed?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenIt is neutral and used everywhere.
Yes, but be careful as it can sound harsh.
Failed.
Like a 'z' sound.
Often, yes.
No, it is a verb.
No, say 'fails to'.
Fails is not a noun, so it has no plural.
Teste dich selbst
He ___ to finish on time.
Third-person singular.
Which means the same as 'fails'?
Fails means it stops working.
The word 'fails' is only used for machines.
It is used for people and plans too.
Word
Bedeutung
Matching idioms.
Correct structure.
Ergebnis: /5
Summary
To fail is not the end; it is simply a step in the process of learning.
- Means to be unsuccessful.
- Used for people and machines.
- Third-person singular is 'fails'.
- Commonly followed by 'to'.
Memory Palace
Imagine a broken robot failing to walk.
Native Speakers
They use it for anything that doesn't work.
Cultural Insight
Failure is often seen as a learning step.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'to' + verb.
