fail to get

USAGE SUMMARY

"fail to get" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when describing a situation where someone is unable to obtain or achieve something they were trying to. It can be used in various contexts, such as in a formal or informal tone. Example: Despite studying for hours, I still failed to get a passing grade on the exam. In this example, "fail to get" is used to express the speaker's disappointment and frustration at not being able to achieve a desired outcome despite their efforts. Another example: The company's new product failed to get the expected sales numbers due to its high price. In this sentence, "fail to get" is used to describe the lack of success in obtaining the expected sales numbers for a new product.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some poor countries fail to get going.

The Economist

Nobody really knows why they fail to get better.

The New Yorker

"That can't fail to get people's attention," he said.

The New York Times

Its first achievement was to fail to "get" the Internet.

The Economist

Boys Harbor did not fail to get a license.

The New York Times

Simply speaking, N.B.A. players often fail to get enough sleep.

The New York Times

Answer: fail to get it around the track.

The Guardian - Sport

Or will they fail to get the volunteering bug entirely?

The Guardian

In fact, like other commonplace ingredients, beans too often fail to get their culinary due.

The New York Times - Food

In Bangladesh, by contrast, just 5% of adults fail to get enough exercise.

The Economist

The risk of cancer may also be elevated in people who fail to get enough sleep.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of your writing; synonyms like "fail to obtain" may be more appropriate in formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to get" when a more direct verb like "lose" or "miss" would be more concise and impactful. Overuse can dilute the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to get" functions as a verb phrase expressing the lack of success in acquiring, achieving, or understanding something. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fail to get" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that describes the lack of success in obtaining, achieving, or understanding something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse contexts, as illustrated by the numerous examples from reputable sources. While "fail to get" is commonly used across different media, it is important to consider the specific context and formality when choosing synonyms. Be mindful of the potential for overuse; sometimes, a more concise verb might be preferable. Ultimately, "fail to get" is a valuable tool for expressing unsuccessful outcomes in a clear and understandable manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to obtain

Replaces "get" with a more formal synonym, "obtain", emphasizing the act of acquiring something.

fail to achieve

Focuses on the lack of accomplishment or success in reaching a specific goal.

be unable to get

Uses a more explicit construction with "unable", clarifying the lack of capability.

fall short of acquiring

Emphasizes a deficiency or inadequacy in reaching a desired level of acquisition.

miss out on getting

Highlights the lost opportunity to obtain something.

not succeed in getting

Emphasizes the lack of success in the process of obtaining something.

fail to grasp

Shifts the focus to a lack of understanding or comprehension.

cannot secure

Implies a failure to guarantee or ensure the acquisition of something.

prove unable to attain

A more formal way of stating the inability to reach or achieve a specific target.

neglect to acquire

Emphasizes that there has been negligence in acquiring something.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to get" to indicate a lack of success in obtaining something. For example: "Despite studying, I "failed to get" a good grade."

What can I say instead of "fail to get"?

You can use alternatives like "fail to obtain", "be unable to get", or "fail to achieve" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "fail to get" or "failed to have gotten"?

"Fail to get" is generally more straightforward and commonly used than "failed to have gotten", which can sound awkward in many contexts. Simpler phrasing is often preferable.

What's the difference between "fail to get" and "miss out on"?

"Fail to get" generally indicates a lack of success, while "miss out on" emphasizes a lost opportunity. For example, "I "failed to get" the job" versus "I "missed out on" the chance to apply."