In software interfaces, technical documentation, scientific documentation and legal documents, I see phrases like:
The build is failed.
The test is failed.
If the test is failed,…
It seems more appropriate to me that these statements should use "has" instead of "is." But, considering that I encounter this frequently, it seems to be acceptable English. Why?
EDIT
Examples, in-context:
Step 'master>Build Project' is failed.
If at any time during the test the subject detects the banana like
odor of IAA, the test is failed.If a required recertification test is failed.
The component contributes to system failure when a minimal cut set,
containing the component, is failed.
Best Answer
It sounds like "failed" here is acting as an adjective, in the same way you could say: "Step 4 is required." or "Step 4 is completed".
Technically this is correct - participles can be used as adjectives. However, the use of "failed" in that manner sounds awkward to me and I can't put my finger on why exactly. It might be because "failed" is not usually thought of as a static state, but more as an action.
This one and the others all sound like the verb "failed" is being used in passive voice. They could all be rewritten into active voice like: "If the technician fails a re-certification test..." or "If the test subject detects the odor, the test fails..."
In many styles of writing, active voice is preferred over passive voice for clarity and easier reading. However, in other styles of writing (particularly technical/legalese, which it sounds like you're quoting from), the more stilted sound of passive voice is more common - and perhaps even preferred. Either way, it is correct.