fail to honor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to honor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where someone does not fulfill a commitment, obligation, or promise. Example: "If you fail to honor your agreement, there may be consequences for your actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

That politicians routinely fail to honor this arrangement is no reason to be complacent about it.

The New York Times

Teams that fail to honor an F.A.T. award are instead prohibited from signing new players.

The New York Times - Sports

Companies that fail to honor this rule may appear insensitive and clueless to veterans.

The Guardian

At no point has the Government suggested it would fail to honor its predecessors' obligations.

The New York Times

Federal and state prosecutors nationwide often fail to honor the Brady rule and are virtually never punished for it.

The New York Times

But if we fail to honor our debts, he warned, "we give the vital stab to public credit, and must sink into contempt in the eyes of Europe".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Trade Exchange Network, the complaint said, also failed to honor a 2005 agreement that it halt improper trading.

The New York Times

— committed the boards to paying off other bondholders if corporations failed to honor their debts.

The New York Times

No society fails to honor its dead in some way, Professor Davies said.

The New York Times

Last year lawmakers failed to honor the deal, slashing the state's contribution in half.

The Washington Post

But Kiev says the group has failed to honor its pledge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to honor", ensure the context clearly defines the specific commitment, obligation, or promise being broken. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to honor" in contexts where the obligation is vague or undefined. Instead, specify the exact nature of the unfulfilled commitment to maintain precision and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to honor" functions as a verb phrase indicating a failure to fulfill a duty, obligation, or commitment. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used across diverse contexts to express the non-adherence to expected responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fail to honor" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that conveys the non-fulfillment of obligations or commitments. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility extends across multiple contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. It is suitable for a neutral register, making it appropriate for professional communication. To ensure clarity, it is best practice to specify the exact nature of the obligation being unfulfilled. While the phrase is generally well-regarded, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization by defining the scope of the commitment. Overall, the phrase is effective in expressing criticism or concern regarding unfulfilled responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not keep one's word

A straightforward expression of breaking a promise.

neglect to uphold

Implies a lack of attention or diligence in maintaining a commitment.

breach an agreement

Specifically refers to violating the terms of a formal agreement.

renege on a promise

Highlights the act of breaking a promise, often with a negative connotation.

default on obligations

Focuses on failing to meet financial or contractual duties.

disregard commitments

Suggests a deliberate overlooking of responsibilities.

violate an undertaking

Emphasizes the transgression of a formal pledge or guarantee.

break faith with

Indicates a betrayal of trust or loyalty in not fulfilling a promise.

fall short of expectations

Highlights the failure to meet anticipated standards or outcomes.

act in bad faith

Suggests a deliberate intention to deceive or mislead by not honoring an agreement.

FAQs

What does "fail to honor" mean?

The phrase "fail to honor" means not fulfilling a commitment, obligation, promise, or agreement. It indicates a breach of trust or duty.

What are some alternatives to "fail to honor"?

You can use alternatives such as "neglect to uphold", "breach an agreement", or "not keep one's word" depending on the context.

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

For instance, "If a company fails to honor its privacy promises, it may face severe penalties", or "The government failed to honor its predecessors' obligations".

Is there a difference between "fail to honor" and "refuse to honor"?

"Fail to honor" implies a non-fulfillment of a commitment, which can be due to various reasons, including negligence or inability. "Refuse to honor", on the other hand, indicates a deliberate decision not to fulfill a commitment.