fail to comply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to comply" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when someone is not following instructions or meeting an obligation. For example, "If the student continues to fail to comply with the school's dress code, disciplinary action will be taken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Canada looks as though it may fail to comply.

The Economist

Fines are threatened for networks that fail to comply.

The New York Times

Those who fail to comply will face tough sanctions".

The Guardian

Boards of directors that fail to comply face jail terms.

The Guardian

Yet many Indian firms still fail to comply with higher standards, so deals falter.

The Economist

If they fail to comply, the E.P.A. will impose a federal plan.

The New Yorker

However, critics wants stiffer penalties for those who fail to comply.

The Guardian

The PA has threatened those who fail to comply with fines.

Independent

Should it fail to comply, the regime may be punished, though exactly how is not clear.

The Economist

Regulatory or security authorities would punish those who fail to comply.

The New York Times

Barclays insists that its managers did not fail to comply with the portfolio guidelines.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to comply", ensure that the subject and the specific rule, law, or standard are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to comply" without specifying what exactly someone has failed to comply with. Always provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to comply" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of adherence to a set of rules, laws, or standards. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a situation where someone is not following instructions or meeting an obligation. It can be used to describe consequences of non-compliance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fail to comply" is a commonly used phrase that signifies a lack of adherence to rules, regulations, or standards. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key; always specify what the subject has failed to comply with. Alternatives such as "neglect to adhere" or "act in non-compliance" can be used to vary your language while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act in non-compliance

Highlights the state of being in non-compliance, focusing on the action taken.

violate directives

Highlights the violation of specific instructions or orders.

disregard regulations

Emphasizes the act of actively disregarding established rules or guidelines.

contravene rules

Emphasizes the act of contravening or going against established rules.

neglect to adhere

Focuses on the aspect of neglecting or overlooking the need to follow requirements.

defy requirements

Suggests a more active and defiant refusal to meet specified requirements.

omit to observe

Highlights the act of omitting or skipping the observance of a regulation.

fall short of standards

Indicates a failure to achieve the required level or quality as defined by standards.

infringe upon guidelines

Suggests an encroachment or violation of established guidelines.

be remiss in following

Indicates a negligent or careless failure to follow instructions.

FAQs

What does "fail to comply" mean?

The phrase "fail to comply" means not to follow a rule, order, or request. It implies a lack of adherence to a set of standards or regulations.

What are some alternatives to "fail to comply"?

You can use alternatives like "neglect to adhere", "disregard regulations", or "act in non-compliance" depending on the context.

How to use "fail to comply" in a sentence?

You can use "fail to comply" in a sentence like, "Students who fail to comply with the school's dress code will face disciplinary action."

Which is more formal, "fail to comply" or "not follow"?

"Fail to comply" is generally more formal than "not follow". In professional or legal contexts, "fail to comply" is often preferred for its precision and formality.