fail to demonstrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to demonstrate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has not been shown or proven effectively. Example: "The study's results fail to demonstrate a significant correlation between the variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Men who fail to demonstrate work devotion, by requesting family leave or workplace flexibility, are typically seen as failing in their role as men," the researchers wrote.

The Washington Post

Those who fail to demonstrate progress could face dismissal.

The New York Times

First, Plaintiffs fail to demonstrate an actual or imminent injury.

Harvard University

They claim to be enlightened about women but fail to demonstrate those ethics in practice.

The Guardian - Books

Meanwhile, the Met's own stats fail to demonstrate that more stop-and-search means fewer stabbings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the popularity of acupuncture, clinical studies continually fail to demonstrate its effectiveness — a fact that Kaptchuk doesn't dispute.

The New Yorker

If writers and artists fail to demonstrate the results of human actions, they are lying to their audiences".

The Guardian - Books

He concluded: "In refusing dying people the right to die with dignity, we fail to demonstrate the compassion that lies at the heart of Christian values.

The Guardian

One review conducted last year said: "The majority of available studies fail to demonstrate that flossing is generally effective in plaque removal".

The Guardian

Articles like Mr Monbiot's do little to bring about change, as they fail to demonstrate a good understanding of the reality on the ground.

The Guardian

"Should any lenders fail to demonstrate they are fully compliant we have several options open to us to protect consumers, including suspending or revoking their licences".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to demonstrate", ensure that you provide context as to why the demonstration failed. Explain the shortcomings or limitations that led to the lack of conclusive evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to demonstrate" to imply absolute disproof. It simply means that evidence is lacking, not that the opposite is necessarily true. Be precise in your language and don't overstate the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to demonstrate" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It is used to indicate a lack of sufficient evidence or proof to support a claim or hypothesis. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

38%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to demonstrate" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of sufficient evidence or proof, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly used in scientific, news, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. To use it effectively, ensure to provide context as to why the demonstration failed and avoid overstating the implications by implying absolute disproof. Alternatives such as "do not show", "do not prove", and "do not indicate" offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not establish

Replaces "fail to demonstrate" with a more direct expression of lacking proof. More concise.

do not prove

Similar to "do not establish", but emphasizes the lack of conclusive evidence.

do not indicate

Suggests a weaker form of evidence, implying a lack of suggestion rather than conclusive proof.

do not show

A simpler and more direct way of saying that something is not evident or visible.

do not confirm

Emphasizes the lack of corroboration or verification for a claim.

fall short of proving

Indicates an attempt to prove something that ultimately fails.

are unable to evidence

A more formal way of saying that something cannot be supported by evidence.

do not substantiate

Highlights the absence of supporting facts or data.

cannot attest to

Implies an inability to vouch for the truth or validity of something.

do not exemplify

Focuses on the lack of a clear example or illustration to support a point.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to demonstrate" to indicate that something lacks sufficient evidence or proof. For example, "The study's results fail to demonstrate a significant correlation between the variables."

What are some alternatives to "fail to demonstrate"?

Alternatives include "do not show", "do not prove", or "do not indicate", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "fail to demonstrate" or "does not demonstrate"?

"Fail to demonstrate" and "does not demonstrate" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. Both are grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "fail to demonstrate" and "unable to demonstrate"?

"Fail to demonstrate" implies a lack of success in showing something, while "unable to demonstrate" suggests a lack of capacity or ability to show something. The difference is subtle but can impact the sentence's meaning.