This verb describes not succeeding.
The idea
Use fail with an exam as the object, or fail to plus a verb for an action that did not happen.
Examples
- I failed the driving test.
- The team failed to score.
- Our plan failed because the shop was closed.
- She failed to answer the last question.
- He failed the exam twice.
- We failed to find the address.
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Watch out
Do not use an -ing form after fail to name the action: say failed to arrive.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct form. Yesterday I ___ the exam. (failed / failing)
Show answer or example answer
failed
failed puts the exam result in the past.
Choose the correct form. They failed ___ the letter. (to send / sending)
Show answer or example answer
to send
to send names the action that did not happen.
Choose the correct form. The plan ___ last week. (failed / fails)
Show answer or example answer
failed
failed describes the unsuccessful plan.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct form. Yesterday I ___ the exam. (failed / failing)
Choose the correct form. They failed ___ the letter. (to send / sending)
Choose the correct form. The plan ___ last week. (failed / fails)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a test or plan that did not succeed.