a failure to communicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a failure to communicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a lack of effective communication between parties. Example: "The project's delays were largely due to a failure to communicate between the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A lack of marketing of the program to California's community college students is essentially a failure to communicate.

Huffington Post

Was it a failure to communicate?

The New York Times

"What we have here is a failure to communicate".

The New Yorker

A look from Mr. Diddy suggested a failure to communicate.

The New York Times

But I think we're still having a failure to communicate.

The New York Times

What we still have is a failure to communicate.

The New York Times

War is not simply a mistake, a failure to communicate.

The New York Times - Magazine

What we had here is a failure to communicate.

The Washington Post

The crisis may have its roots in a failure to communicate.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This was not simply a failure to communicate," he said in a telephone interview.

The Guardian

Questioned later, Giuliani copped to the universal politician non-apology — a failure to communicate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a failure to communicate", ensure the context clearly identifies who failed to communicate and what information was not effectively conveyed. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a failure to communicate" as a blanket explanation for complex problems. Instead, analyze the specific barriers to communication, such as unclear messaging, lack of feedback mechanisms, or differing communication styles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a failure to communicate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a state or situation where effective communication is lacking, as Ludwig examples clearly show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a failure to communicate" is a common and generally accepted phrase used to describe a breakdown in the exchange of information. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, including news, business, and general discussions. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase with specificity, identifying the parties involved and the nature of the communication breakdown. Alternatives like "breakdown in communication" or "miscommunication" can offer nuanced perspectives. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "a failure to communicate" to convey their message with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breakdown in communication

Focuses on the process of communication collapsing.

communication breakdown

A more concise way of saying "a failure to communicate".

miscommunication

Highlights an error in the communication process.

lack of understanding

Emphasizes the absence of comprehension between parties.

failure to connect

Similar meaning but emphasizes the act of connecting.

failure to convey information

Focuses specifically on the transmission of knowledge.

gap in understanding

Highlights a disparity in comprehension.

disconnect between

Emphasizes the separation and lack of alignment.

inability to connect

Focuses on the lack of a meaningful connection.

misunderstanding

A simple, direct term for a lack of shared understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "a failure to communicate" in a sentence?

You can use "a failure to communicate" to describe situations where there is a lack of effective communication. For example, "The project failed due to "a failure to communicate" important updates to the team".

What are some alternatives to "a failure to communicate"?

Some alternatives include "breakdown in communication", "lack of understanding", or "miscommunication". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does "a failure to communicate" mean?

It signifies a breakdown or lack of effective exchange of information between individuals or groups, leading to misunderstandings or incomplete knowledge.

Is "a failure to communicate" a formal or informal expression?

It is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more specific alternatives might be preferred in formal writing to provide greater clarity.