fail to appear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to appear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or situations where someone is expected to show up but does not. Example: "The defendant failed to appear in court for the scheduled hearing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Those who fail to appear may lose some pay.

The Economist

Without pre-release instructions, many women may fail to appear in court, hastening their deportation.

The New Yorker

In other words, only because everyone so lustily cried wolf did the wolf fail to appear.

The New Yorker

Meetings with the man were scheduled, but he would fail to appear.

The New York Times - Arts

Only when the main courses fail to appear does it become apparent that efficiency isn't the only thing lacking.

The New Yorker

Some make defendants liable for a given sum should they fail to appear but do not collect it up front.

The New York Times

The situation arose in Budapest, and could rear its ugly head once more should Raikkonen fail to appear tomorrow morning.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Big crowds have failed to appear.

Independent

Around Thanksgiving, the cart failed to appear.

The New York Times

The Republican nominee, George Pataki, failed to appear.

The New Yorker

But they failed to appear.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you're after a more relaxed tone, substitute the phrase with alternatives such as "didn't show up" or "missed". Avoid using it in informal conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to appear" in casual conversation. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't show up" or "missed it" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to appear" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating a lack of presence or attendance. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in legal, professional, and general contexts where attendance is expected or required. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fail to appear" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase indicating a lack of attendance at a scheduled event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's particularly prevalent in legal and formal contexts, but less suitable for casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "not show up" or "be absent" for less formal situations. Remember to use the correct tense based on the context. This phrase is very common in News & Media, and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not show up

Replaces "fail" with a more informal negative, implying a lack of intention.

not be present

A straightforward alternative for indicating absence.

miss an appearance

Emphasizes the missed obligation or expectation.

fall to appear

A slightly less common phrasing for indicating failure to show up.

be a no-show

An informal term for failing to appear, especially for scheduled events.

neglect to attend

Highlights a lack of attention or care in fulfilling the obligation.

omit to attend

Similar to 'neglect to attend' but can imply a deliberate choice.

be absent

A more general term for not being present.

default on appearance

A more formal and legalistic term.

decline to present oneself

A more formal and somewhat indirect way of expressing absence.

FAQs

What does "fail to appear" mean?

The phrase "fail to appear" means that someone does not show up at a place or event where they were expected or required to be. This is often used in legal contexts, such as when a defendant does not come to court.

What are the consequences of failing to appear in court?

Failing to appear in court can result in serious legal consequences, including the issuance of a warrant for your arrest, additional charges, and forfeiture of bail money. It's crucial to notify the court if you cannot attend a scheduled hearing.

What can I say instead of "fail to appear"?

You can use alternatives like "not show up", "miss an appearance", or "be absent" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "fail to appear" or "failed to appear"?

The correct tense depends on the context. Use "fail to appear" for general statements or hypothetical situations (e.g., "If they fail to appear, a warrant will be issued"). Use "failed to appear" for past events (e.g., "He failed to appear at the hearing yesterday").