I failed to recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I failed to recognize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you did not notice or acknowledge something or someone in a particular situation. Example: "During the meeting, I failed to recognize the contributions of my team members, and I regret not giving them the credit they deserve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Mr. Rumsfeld also took responsibility for failing to tell Mr. Bush and Congress about the developing scandal, saying, "I failed to recognize how important it was to elevate a matter of such gravity to the highest levels, including the president and the members of Congress".

The New York Times

Rumsfeld added, "I failed to recognize how important it was".

The New Yorker

"I failed to recognize this Libor issue as being one of these issues".

The New York Times

I failed to recognize just how powerful the Fed's mortgage purchasing program, Operation Twist, was.

The Washington Post

I missed the English version, waiting for it to cycle back again, but gave up after the third language that I failed to recognize.

The New Yorker

Dakotah quizzed me on the songs I knew, and each time I failed to recognize a hit he laughed and sang it for me in a whispery, high-pitched voice.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"What if," the monk Tenzin Zopa worried aloud in his tent one night, "I fail to recognize my master's new form?" Mr. Baratz, who shared that tent and shot the film on a budget of substantially less than $1 million, recalls silently cringing.

The New York Times

I fail to recognize that right now.

Huffington Post

Usually when I fail to recognize someone I've met before it's because I was overloaded with new people at the time or because I'm just bad with faces… and names.

Vice

While as a Catholic, I was among those who sided with Pope Francis, praying and fasting for peace, that does not mean that I fail to recognize the horror of these weapons.

Huffington Post

Still, John Turturro approximates my uniqueness in "Monday Night Mayhem," but Jon Voight in "Ali" renders me into a personage so dreary that I nearly failed to recognize me until I saw the ABC logo on Voight's jacket.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I failed to recognize" to acknowledge a past oversight or misjudgment, demonstrating accountability.

Common error

While suitable for many situations, in highly formal or professional contexts, consider using more nuanced language to convey the same meaning without sounding overly self-critical. Alternatives such as "I did not fully appreciate" might be more appropriate in certain settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I failed to recognize" serves as a statement of acknowledgment of a past oversight or lack of understanding. It functions to admit a failure in perception or judgment, as shown by Ludwig's examples where individuals admit their errors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I failed to recognize" is a common and grammatically correct way to admit a past oversight or lack of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, media, and science. While generally neutral in tone, it conveys a sense of accountability. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "I did not fully appreciate". Common errors include overusing the phrase in highly formal contexts. To enhance your writing, use this phrase to acknowledge past oversights, demonstrating accountability and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I didn't realize

Focuses on a lack of awareness at the time of the event.

I didn't appreciate

Emphasizes a lack of understanding or value of something.

I overlooked

Highlights the act of missing something important.

I missed

A simpler way of saying that something was not noticed.

I was unaware of

States a lack of knowledge about a situation or fact.

I didn't foresee

Focuses on a failure to predict or anticipate something.

I underestimated

Highlights a misjudgment of the extent or importance of something.

I neglected to notice

Indicates a lack of attention leading to a missed observation.

It escaped my attention

Attributes the failure to recognize to a lack of focus.

I was blind to

Suggests a deliberate or unintentional inability to see something.

FAQs

How can I use "I failed to recognize" in a sentence?

You can use "I failed to recognize" to express that you did not notice or understand something at a particular time. For example, "I failed to recognize the importance of his contribution until it was too late".

What can I say instead of "I failed to recognize"?

You can use alternatives like "I didn't realize", "I overlooked", or "I was unaware of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I had failed to recognize"?

Yes, "I had failed to recognize" is grammatically correct and implies that the failure to recognize something occurred before another event in the past. It adds emphasis on the prior failure.

What's the difference between "I failed to recognize" and "I didn't recognize"?

"I failed to recognize" suggests a more significant oversight or a missed opportunity for understanding. "I didn't recognize" is a more general statement about not being able to identify something or someone.