fail to do so

USAGE SUMMARY

"fail to do so" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone has tried unsuccessfully to complete a task. For example: "The detective tried to solve the case, but he failed to do so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Or they can fail to do so.

Harvard Business Review

Those that fail to do so are fined.

The Economist

However, they often fail to do so in practice.

The Economist

But experts say most schools fail to do so.

The New York Times

I don't think the airlines will fail to do so".

The New York Times

To fail to do so is incredibly short-sighted.

The Guardian

If we fail to do so, they are emboldened.

The Guardian - Opinion

To fail to do so, therefore, must be incompetent.

The Guardian - Sport

Companies that fail to do so face considerable risk.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Fail to do so and the consequences may be severe.'.

WikiHow

However, many fail to do so.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fail to do so" to clearly and concisely indicate the non-completion of a previously mentioned action or task. This avoids unnecessary repetition and maintains a smooth flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to do so" in simple sentences where a direct negative construction would be more effective. For instance, instead of "He failed to do so", use "He didn't do it" for brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to do so" functions as a pro-verb phrase, substituting for a previously mentioned verb phrase to indicate a lack of action or completion. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usability and correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fail to do so" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the non-completion of a previously referenced action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various writing contexts, especially news, science, and formal business communications. While it's a common phrase, writers should be mindful of potential overuse in simple sentences. Remember to ensure clarity and conciseness in your writing by considering simpler negative constructions when appropriate. "Fail to do so" is mostly seen in News & Media and Science sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall short of achieving it

Highlights the unsuccessful attempt to reach a specific goal or standard.

not succeed in its execution

Focuses on the lack of success in the completion of the task, regardless of the effort made.

neglect to do it

Indicates a lack of attention or care in performing the action.

prove incapable of accomplishing it

Focuses on the lack of ability or capacity to successfully complete the task.

omit to act accordingly

Suggests a formal failure to follow a prescribed procedure or expected behavior.

end up not carrying it out

Indicates that the action was not completed, possibly due to unforeseen circumstances or a change of plans.

not bother to undertake it

Emphasizes a lack of motivation or interest in completing the task.

refrain from undertaking it

Implies a conscious decision to avoid performing the action, possibly due to ethical or practical considerations.

decline to execute it

Implies a deliberate refusal to perform the action, often with a sense of formality.

miss out on performing it

Suggests a lost opportunity or a failure to seize the moment to act.

FAQs

How can I use "fail to do so" in a sentence?

Use "fail to do so" to refer back to a previously mentioned action. For example, "The company promised to improve its customer service, but it "failed to do so"".

What are some alternatives to "fail to do so"?

Alternatives include phrases like "neglect to do it", "omit to act accordingly", or "fall short of achieving it", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "fail to do so" instead of a simpler negative construction?

Use "fail to do so" when you want to emphasize the failure to fulfill a promise, expectation, or requirement. It's often more impactful than simply saying someone “didn’t do it”.

Is "fail to do so" formal or informal?

The phrase "fail to do so" is generally considered neutral to formal and appropriate for professional writing and academic contexts. In very informal situations, simpler language might be preferred.