a failure to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a failure to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the lack of action or inability to perform a specific task or duty. Example: "The report highlighted a failure to do the necessary research before making the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A failure to do so will doom these movements.

The Guardian - Opinion

A failure to do so can quickly become fatal.

The New York Times - Health

A failure to do this would destroy the country's financial system and cause depositor runs elsewhere.

The New York Times

A failure to do so in this year's spending review would be frankly unacceptable".

The Guardian - Business

A failure to do this will put both the public and firefighters at unnecessary risk.

The Guardian

I think a failure to do so is responsible for many of our modern ills".

The Guardian - Books

A failure to do so risks rejecting drugs that offer patients additional clinical benefit.

The Guardian - Opinion

A failure to do so can lead to a criminal warrant for missing court dates.

The Guardian

A failure to do so gets you stuck in a One Horse Town.

The Guardian - Music

Those included a failure to do covert operations or work with Israel.

The New York Times

4 The prejudicial effect of a failure to do so, however, can normally be determined by a post-trial hearing.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a failure to do", clearly state the specific action that was not performed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a failure to do" without a clear reference to what action should have been taken. Ensure the context makes the unfulfilled action explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a failure to do" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a lack of action or omission, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a failure to do" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote a lack of action or an omission. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in tone, it's vital to ensure the action being omitted is clear to maintain clarity. For alternatives, consider phrases like "neglecting to do" or "failing to act" to add subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Failing to act

Highlights the inaction or lack of intervention in a situation.

Neglecting to do

Focuses on the aspect of carelessness or oversight in not performing the action.

Not carrying out

Emphasizes the incompletion of a task or instruction.

Omission to perform

Emphasizes the act of leaving something undone, often in a formal context.

Lack of execution

Focuses on the absence of carrying out a plan or task.

Inaction regarding

Focuses on the state of not taking any action on a specific matter.

Non-performance of

A more formal way of saying something was not done.

Defaulting on

Implies a breach of duty or obligation to perform.

To not undertake

Emphasizes a deliberate choice not to start or engage in an activity.

Forgoing the action

Highlights the voluntary decision not to do something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a failure to do" in a sentence?

Alternatives include "neglecting to do", "failing to act", or "omission to perform" depending on the desired emphasis.

What are the consequences of "a failure to do" something?

The consequences depend on the context, ranging from minor inconveniences to severe repercussions. For instance, "a failure to do" maintenance could lead to equipment failure.

Is "a failure to do" formal or informal language?

The phrase "a failure to do" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "non-performance of" exist.

What's the difference between "a failure to do" and "an inability to do"?

"A failure to do" implies a lack of action, potentially due to negligence or unwillingness. "An inability to do" suggests a lack of capacity or capability. Consider the context carefully to select the correct expression.