fail to address

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to address" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues, topics, or concerns that have not been adequately considered or dealt with. Example: "The report fails to address the key concerns raised by the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some colleges may fail to address the issue adequately.

The New York Times

If we fail to address both, our societies can collapse".

The Guardian

Plus opponents still fail to address their best qualities.

The Guardian - Sport

In any case, they fail to address the real issue.

Independent

Did his administration fail to address security concerns?

The New York Times

Current treatments often fail to address this complexity.

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice

Yet I couldn't fail to address her choice to cheat.

Harvard University

However, these existing models fail to address three main issues which are detrimental to defender performance.

Artificial Intelligence

Today's educational reformers fail to address the need for students to enjoy the learning process.

The New York Times

They fail to address existing desires, while conscientiously responding to desires people no longer have.

The New York Times - Magazine

As the Tories trim back the state, they fail to address such questions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to address", ensure that you clearly state what specific issue or aspect is not being adequately handled. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to address" without specifying what needs to be addressed and why it is important. Overly broad claims can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to address" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that a subject has not adequately dealt with or considered a particular issue or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fail to address" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something has been neglected or inadequately handled. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to be used across various registers, from formal academic papers to neutral news articles. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure you specify what is not being addressed and why it matters. Alternatives like "neglect to consider" or "overlook" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. By following best practices and avoiding vague language, you can effectively use "fail to address" to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglect to consider

This alternative emphasizes a lack of thoughtfulness or attention given to something.

overlook

This alternative suggests missing something important, either intentionally or unintentionally.

omit to mention

This alternative highlights the act of leaving something unsaid or unwritten.

not take into account

This alternative emphasizes a lack of consideration when making a decision or judgment.

shirk from handling

This alternative implies an avoidance of responsibility or duty in dealing with something.

fall short of resolving

This alternative focuses on the inability to bring a matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

be deficient in tackling

This alternative highlights the inadequacy or weakness in one's approach to dealing with a problem.

leave untouched

This alternative implies a deliberate decision to not engage or interfere with something.

ignore

This alternative suggests a conscious decision to disregard or pay no attention to something.

disregard

This alternative suggests a conscious choice not to consider something as important or relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "fail to address" in a sentence?

You can use "fail to address" to point out a deficiency in an argument, a plan, or a discussion. For example, "The report "fails to address" the key concerns raised by the stakeholders."

What are some alternatives to "fail to address"?

Some alternatives include "neglect to consider", "overlook", or "omit to mention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "fails to address" or "fail to address"?

The choice depends on the subject. Use "fails to address" for singular subjects (e.g., "The report fails to address...") and "fail to address" for plural subjects (e.g., "The researchers fail to address...").

What's the difference between "fail to address" and "fail to mention"?

"Fail to address" implies a lack of comprehensive handling or consideration, while "fail to mention" simply indicates that something was not brought up or acknowledged.