fail to connect

USAGE SUMMARY

'fail to connect' is a perfectly accurate and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it, for example, in the sentence: "The two wires failed to connect, so the circuit could not be completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

More often than not, however, they fail to connect.

The New York Times - Books

That is why politicians across all parties fail to connect.

The Guardian - Opinion

I asked Tilson Thomas what happens when a conductor and an orchestra fail to connect.

The New Yorker

Should they momentarily fail to connect, a more engaging coda soon arrive s.

Independent

How to help a cast bond when they are playing characters who fail to connect?

The Guardian

"What is fascinating is how we fail to connect the real economy with the money economy.

The Guardian

A delicate slapstick ballet that illuminates Chekhov's singular vision of why people fail to connect (2 15).

The New York Times

But Comelec tests have shown that the machines often reject ballots, and sometimes fail to connect to the servers.

The Economist

In fact, it's best if you don't or your brain will get clogged and you will fail to connect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mostly Bs You did not so much fail to win the internet as fail to connect to the internet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then the Devils watched Juan Dixon's desperation shot from 40 feet fail to connect for the Terps.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to connect" to describe a lack of understanding, consider the specific aspect that is not connecting. For example, specify if it's an emotional connection, a logical connection, or a physical connection to improve clarity.

Common error

While "fail to connect" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary with more sophisticated synonyms like "lack cohesion" or "prove dissonant" to enhance the writing's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to connect" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate a lack of connection, whether literal or figurative. It describes an unsuccessful attempt to establish a link, understanding, or relationship. Ludwig AI confirms the accuracy and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to connect" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a lack of connection, understanding, or relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. When aiming for more sophisticated language, alternatives such as "struggle to relate" or "lack rapport" can be considered. Remember to specify the type of connection lacking for increased clarity and, in formal writing, avoid overusing the phrase to maintain stylistic diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggle to relate

Emphasizes the difficulty in establishing a personal connection.

lack rapport

Highlights the absence of a harmonious relationship or understanding.

be unable to link

Focuses on the inability to form a logical association or bond.

not resonate

Indicates a failure to evoke emotion or understanding in someone.

fall short of linking

Similar to 'unable to link' but implies there was an attempt to connect.

break down

Refers to a system/communication that is unable to function normally.

miss the mark

Suggests a failure to achieve the desired connection or understanding.

cannot see eye to eye

Indicates a fundamental disagreement or inability to find common ground.

do not understand each other

Highlights a mutual lack of comprehension between parties.

lose contact

Indicates a severing or diminishing of communication or physical proximity.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to connect" to describe a lack of understanding, a failure in communication, or an inability to form a relationship. For example, "The two ideas "fail to connect" logically, making the argument unconvincing."

What are some alternatives to "fail to connect"?

Alternatives include phrases like "struggle to relate", "lack rapport", or "not resonate", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "fails to connect" or "fail to connect"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "fails to connect" with a singular subject (e.g., "The argument fails to connect") and "fail to connect" with a plural subject (e.g., "The ideas fail to connect").

What's the difference between "fail to connect" and "disconnection"?

"Fail to connect" is a verb phrase describing an action or lack thereof, while "disconnection" is a noun referring to the state of being disconnected. You might say, "The wires failed to connect, resulting in a disconnection."