fail to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone did not provide feedback or remarks on a particular subject or issue. Example: "The committee chose to fail to comment on the controversial proposal during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

pic.twitter.com/Sf4y4yxRQQ Passers-by also couldn't fail to comment on the coincide of the fire on this record breaking hot day.

Independent

I'm not here to defend the choice of words some of my colleagues used, but no one seeing the performance could reasonably fail to comment on Octavian's appearance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Buttigieg is also the youngest mayor of a city of over 100,000, something that people never fail to comment on.

The Washington Post

Constantine Botopoulos, head of the Greek capital markets commission, told Skai radio: "Naturally, pressure is expected, markets will not fail to comment on such an extensive shutdown". He added: "But we must not get carried away.

BBC

"I've seen a lot of single-cam shows that come from a rich, white point of view but fail to comment on it.

Vice

Even worse, popular media outlets that have the potential to reach countless individuals often fail to comment on critical issues associated with cancer.

Cancer Causes and Control

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

DMGT failed to comment.

The Guardian

Failing to comment obscure code.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tragically, his office failed to comment.

Independent

NHS England failed to comment.

The Guardian

The other 10 failed to comment.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to comment" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether the failure to comment was intentional or an oversight. This can influence the reader's interpretation of the situation.

Common error

In casual conversation or less formal writing, using "fail to comment" can sound overly formal or stiff. Consider more natural alternatives like "didn't say anything" or "didn't mention" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to comment" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a lack of action or response. It's used to describe someone's omission in providing feedback, remarks, or an opinion on a specific subject, as evidenced by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to comment" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating a lack of response or statement on a specific matter. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its neutral to formal tone makes it suitable for professional communication. Alternatives like "decline to comment" or "refuse to comment" offer nuanced substitutes, depending on the intended meaning. Overusing it in informal contexts may sound unnatural; therefore, consider using simpler phrases like "didn't say anything".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to comment

Suggests a deliberate refusal to provide an opinion or information.

refuse to comment

Indicates a firm and explicit unwillingness to provide commentary.

neglect to mention

Implies an oversight or unintentional omission in providing information.

omit to state

Highlights the act of leaving something unsaid, often intentionally.

avoid commenting

Shows an active effort to steer clear of making remarks.

remain silent on

Indicates a conscious decision to not voice an opinion or share information.

offer no opinion

Emphasizes the absence of a stated viewpoint.

make no observation

Highlights the absence of any remarks or insights.

leave unaddressed

Suggests an issue was not discussed or dealt with.

not offer feedback

Implies a lack of constructive or critical input.

FAQs

What does "fail to comment" mean?

The phrase "fail to comment" means to not provide an opinion, explanation, or reaction to something. It suggests a lack of response where one might be expected.

What are some alternatives to "fail to comment"?

You can use alternatives such as "decline to comment", "refuse to comment", or "neglect to mention" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "fail to comment"?

Yes, "fail to comment" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written english.

In what contexts is "fail to comment" commonly used?

The phrase "fail to comment" is often used in news reporting, academic research, and formal business communication to describe a lack of response from an individual or organization. Examples from The Guardian or The New York Times showcase this usage.