Meaning of 'without fail'

[ralpho]

Test No. errors/advan-10 "Late at the Office", question 4

Ms Primshaw checked the book at the end of each month and without failing Mary's signature was always below the line.

(a) checked
(b) at
(c) failing
(d) below

Test No. errors/advan-10 "Late at the Office", answer 4

Ms Primshaw checked the book at the end of each month and without fail Mary's signature was always below the line.

Correct entry: fail
The error was: (c) failing
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recognizing?

ralpho

[Alan]

This means you could always rely on this.
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English as a Second Language
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[David1999]

Why fail and not failing? is failing wrong, if so why?

[Alan]

Hi,

'Without fail' is a set expression suggesting that something was sure to happen. 'Fail' in this sense is a noun. If you change this to 'without failing' and use the word as a verb, you would have to either suggest or indicate some kind inability to succeed. You would ask: Without failing to do what? Or it could mean 'without being successful. Both these meanings would not equate to the expression 'without fail'.

Alan
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