fail to attend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to attend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's inability or refusal to be present at an event or meeting. Example: "If you fail to attend the meeting, you will miss important updates regarding the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Missing data occur when patients fail to attend appointments or leave the programme early; reasons for non-attendance are generally not known.

BMJ Open

Any groups that "fail to attend will lose," he was quoted as saying.

The New York Times

The treatment is so good they fail to attend their hospital appointments".

Independent

Children often fail to attend school as they are working to help support the family.

The Guardian

Magistrates will be able to summon those who fail to attend the sessions before a court.

The Guardian

Students who fail to attend orientation will not be granted access.

University of California, Berkeley

The teacher would like to talk to her parents about this, but they fail to attend parent-teacher conferences.

The New York Times - Style

Patients with unilateral spatial neglect due to right-hemisphere lesions typically fail to attend to and explore left-sided stimulus objects [32].

Neuropsychologia

Another project, already underway, aims to identify patients who are are likely to fail to attend appointments.

The Guardian

Most of the sexually transmitted infection prevention programs fail to attend to the relationship type of individuals at first sexual intercourse and how it influences contraceptive behavior.

Contraception

Members of the Iberia Committee can be removed if they fail to attend two subsequent Iberia Committee meetings without excuse.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fail to attend" to clearly indicate a lack of presence or participation, especially when emphasizing consequences or obligations. For example, "Students who fail to attend orientation will not be granted access."

Common error

Ensure that the reason for failing to attend is clear from the context, if relevant. Vague sentences can imply negligence when the absence was justified. For example, specify if someone failed to attend despite prior commitment or due to unforeseen circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to attend" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing the omission or neglect of attendance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, indicating its established usage. It combines the negative connotation of "fail" with the action of "attending", highlighting a missed obligation or opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to attend" is a common and grammatically correct way to express non-attendance, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in science, news, and academic contexts to emphasize the consequences or expectations associated with not being present. While alternatives like "miss out on" or "be absent from" exist, "fail to attend" often carries a stronger implication of obligation or expectation. When using the phrase, ensure that the reason for non-attendance is clear if relevant, and be mindful of the context to avoid unintended implications of negligence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be absent from

A more formal and direct way of stating non-attendance.

not show up for

Emphasizes the act of not appearing or arriving.

not be present at

A formal alternative indicating someone was not there.

miss out on

Focuses on the lost opportunity or benefit due to absence.

be a no-show

An informal way of describing someone who did not attend.

skip

An informal term indicating a deliberate choice not to attend.

decline to participate in

Highlights a refusal or unwillingness to be involved.

forego

Indicates a conscious decision to abstain from attending, often for a specific reason.

stay away from

Suggests avoiding attendance, possibly due to aversion or other reasons.

default on

Implies failing to meet an obligation or expectation to attend.

FAQs

What does "fail to attend" mean?

The phrase "fail to attend" means not to be present at or participate in something, such as a meeting, event, or appointment. It implies a lack of attendance, often with negative consequences or implications.

What are some alternatives to "fail to attend"?

Alternatives include "miss out on", "be absent from", "not show up for", or simply "not attend" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "fail to attend" or "not attend"?

Both "fail to attend" and "not attend" are grammatically correct. "Fail to attend" often emphasizes a consequence or expectation, while "not attend" is a more neutral statement of absence. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "fail to attend" in sentences like, "If you fail to attend the mandatory training, you will not be certified," or "Patients who fail to attend appointments may be discharged from the program."