fail test
Not pass assessment
Use `fail a test` for any official exam where your score was below the passing mark.
En 15 secondes
- Used when you do not achieve a passing grade on an assessment.
- Common for school exams, driving tests, or professional certifications.
- Simple, direct, and understood by all English speakers.
Signification
This phrase means you didn't get a high enough score on a test or exam. It means you have to try again or you didn't meet the required standard.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Telling a friend about a school result
I'm so sad because I failed my history test yesterday.
I'm so sad because I failed my history test yesterday.
Discussing a driving exam
Don't worry, many people fail their driving test the first time.
Don't worry, many people fail their driving test the first time.
A formal email to a professor
I am writing because I failed the midterm test and want to improve.
I am writing because I failed the midterm test and want to improve.
Contexte culturel
In Western education systems, 'failing' is often marked with a red pen or the letter 'F'. While it carries a social stigma, modern culture increasingly views it as a learning opportunity or a 'growth mindset' moment. In some countries, failing a driving test is seen as a rite of passage because the standards are so high.
Add 'the' or 'my'
Usually, we say `fail the test` or `fail my test`. Just saying `fail test` sounds like a computer error message!
Don't say 'lose'
Many speakers of other languages say they 'lost' a test. In English, you `lose` a game, but you `fail` a test.
En 15 secondes
- Used when you do not achieve a passing grade on an assessment.
- Common for school exams, driving tests, or professional certifications.
- Simple, direct, and understood by all English speakers.
What It Means
To fail a test means you didn't get the passing grade. It is the opposite of passing a test. It can feel a bit scary or sad. But it is a very common part of life. Everyone does it at least once! It simply means the result was not good enough this time.
How To Use It
You use this phrase with a subject and a verb. For example, "I failed the test." You can also use it for a specific subject. You might say, "I failed my math test." It is a very direct way to share bad news. You don't need fancy words here. Just state what happened clearly.
When To Use It
Use this when talking about school or university exams. It also works for a driving test. You can use it when talking to parents or teachers. It is also common when chatting with friends about grades. Use it when you are being honest about a result. It is perfect for a quick text or a phone call.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small mistakes in a conversation. If you forget a word, you didn't fail a test. Don't use it for social situations like a first date. If the date goes badly, you didn't fail a test. It is mostly for official assessments. Using it for a bad movie choice sounds a bit strange. Keep it for things with actual scores or grades.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, there is a lot of pressure to pass. Failing can feel like a big deal. However, people often joke about it to feel better. There is a famous idea that "failure is the first step to success." In the US and UK, the letter F usually stands for fail. If you see an F on your paper, you failed the test.
Common Variations
You might hear people say they flunked a test. This is more informal and a bit more slangy. Some people say they bombed a test. That means they did very, very poorly. You can also say you didn't make the grade. But fail a test is the most standard way to say it. It is clear and everyone understands it immediately.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is very versatile and fits almost any situation involving an evaluation. Just remember to use the correct tense: `fail` (present), `failed` (past), or `failing` (continuous).
Add 'the' or 'my'
Usually, we say `fail the test` or `fail my test`. Just saying `fail test` sounds like a computer error message!
Don't say 'lose'
Many speakers of other languages say they 'lost' a test. In English, you `lose` a game, but you `fail` a test.
The 'F' Word
In the US, an 'F' is the failing grade. If someone says 'I got an F', they mean they failed. It's the only time an 'F' is bad news!
Exemples
6I'm so sad because I failed my history test yesterday.
I'm so sad because I failed my history test yesterday.
A common way to share academic news with peers.
Don't worry, many people fail their driving test the first time.
Don't worry, many people fail their driving test the first time.
Used here to provide comfort about a common life event.
I am writing because I failed the midterm test and want to improve.
I am writing because I failed the midterm test and want to improve.
Direct and professional when seeking help.
Ugh, I totally failed that pop quiz today.
Ugh, I totally failed that pop quiz today.
The word 'totally' adds emphasis in a casual text.
The test was so hard that even the genius failed it!
The test was so hard that even the genius failed it!
Used to exaggerate how difficult an assessment was.
If you fail the safety test, you cannot work on the site.
If you fail the safety test, you cannot work on the site.
Explaining consequences in a serious work context.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a bad grade.
I didn't study at all, so I am afraid I will ___ the test.
In English, we 'fail' a test when we don't pass. We don't 'lose' or 'miss' it in this context.
Complete the sentence with the past tense form.
He was very upset because he ___ his driving test again.
Since the sentence describes a past event (he 'was' upset), we use the past tense 'failed'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Fail a Test'
Very informal, used with close friends.
I bombed it.
The standard way to say it in any situation.
I failed the test.
Used in official reports or academic records.
The candidate did not meet the requirements.
Where to use 'Fail a Test'
High School
Failing a math quiz.
DMV / Licensing
Failing a driving exam.
Medical
Failing an eye test.
Workplace
Failing a drug test or safety exam.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt means you took an exam but did not get enough points to pass. For example, if you get 40% and the pass mark is 50%, you failed the test.
It is not rude, but it is very direct. If you want to be softer, you can say they didn't pass.
Yes, but it's specific. You can fail an eye test if your vision is bad, but for a blood test, we usually say the results were positive or negative.
The opposite is pass a test. You can also say you aced a test if you got a perfect score.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your teacher, or your best friend without any problems.
It is more natural to say I failed the test without the word 'in'. The test is the direct object of the verb.
To flunk is an informal way to say fail. Students often say, 'I'm going to flunk this class' if they are doing very poorly.
Yes! If a new car is tested for safety and it breaks, we say the car failed the safety test.
It is slang for failing very badly. If you say I bombed it, you probably got a very low score.
In this phrase, yes. But 'fail' can also be a noun in slang, like 'That was an epic fail', meaning a big mistake.
Expressions liées
Pass with flying colors
To pass a test very easily and with a high score.
Flunk out
To be forced to leave a school because you failed too many tests.
Retake a test
To take the same test again because you failed the first time.
Make the grade
To reach the necessary standard or score.
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