fail to agree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to agree" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used when two people, parties, or groups cannot find a consensus on a given matter. For example, "The two sides failed to agree on a resolution, and the conflict continued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And if the two sides still fail to agree?

The Economist

The commissioners could still fail to agree on rules.

The New York Times

Inevitably, they fail to agree on the detail.

The Guardian

If they fail to agree, additional measures would be considered, she said.

The Guardian

Where they fail to agree, however, is on what to do about it.

The Guardian

But again negotiators fail to agree on a formula for cutting domestic farm subsidies and tariffs.

The Guardian - Business

If the members fail to agree, the law would automatically "sequester" $1.2 trillion in spending cuts — heavily affecting defense programs.

The New York Times

Even if the Kurds keep the post, politicians say, they may fail to agree on someone with Mr. Talabani's stature.

The New York Times

As a result, a new excuse to fail to agree was found.Previous summits have broken down over agriculture.

The Economist

But negotiations break down after India, China and the US fail to agree over measures to protect poor farmers.

The Guardian - Business

But when scientific theories fail to agree with observation, they are modified or replaced by better theories.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to agree", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject and object of the disagreement are. This improves clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "fail to agree" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "disagree" or "can't agree" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to agree" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, indicating it describes an action or state of not reaching a consensus or shared understanding, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fail to agree" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the lack of consensus between parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is primarily to report or describe the absence of agreement, often in neutral to formal contexts. While alternatives like "disagree" exist, "fail to agree" often implies a more deliberate attempt to reach an agreement. The phrase is prevalent in news and media, reflecting its use in reporting on negotiations, disputes, and political standoffs. When using "fail to agree", ensure the context clearly defines what the disagreement pertains to, and consider simpler alternatives for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disagree

Direct synonym, lacks the implication of an attempt to agree.

cannot reach a consensus

More formal and emphasizes the lack of group agreement.

be unable to concur

Highly formal, emphasizes a lack of shared opinion.

not be in accord

Similar to 'unable to concur' but slightly less formal.

be at odds

Implies a conflict or opposition, not just a lack of agreement.

reach an impasse

Highlights a situation where progress is blocked due to disagreement.

see eye to eye

Expresses agreement in reverse. Idiomatic.

dissent

Focuses on formally disagreeing or holding a different opinion.

fall out

Suggests a breakdown in a relationship due to disagreement.

differ

A general term indicating a difference in opinion or viewpoint.

FAQs

What does "fail to agree" mean?

The phrase "fail to agree" means that individuals or groups are unable to reach a consensus or shared understanding on a particular issue or matter. It implies an attempt was made to find common ground, but it was unsuccessful.

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

You can use "fail to agree" in a sentence like this: "Despite several meetings, the committee members "failed to agree" on the budget."

What are some alternatives to "fail to agree"?

Some alternatives to "fail to agree" include "disagree", "cannot reach a consensus", or "be at odds". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "fail to agree" or "disagree"?

Both "fail to agree" and "disagree" are correct, but "fail to agree" often implies a more formal setting or a process where agreement was expected or attempted. "Disagree" is a more general term.