fail to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to identify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a lack of ability or success in recognizing or determining something. Example: "The researchers failed to identify the underlying cause of the issue despite extensive testing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is convinced his friend will fail to identify it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But this approach, too, may fail to identify and stop a violent student.

The New York Times

A warbler flies into the room, but the two fail to identify it properly.

The New Yorker

Yet our systems of care more often than not fail to identify and treat these individuals.

The New York Times - Health

"Even people within the BBC [who are] now beginning to stand up for it, fail to identify those vested interests.

The Guardian

But no one who knows the Upper East Side could fail to identify the building, with its cat's-eye windows.

The New York Times

Calls for consolidation beyond the administration's plan fail to identify the real roots of last year's financial meltdown.

The New York Times

The more journalists fail to identify the inventor, the sweeter and more tempting the prize has become.

The New Yorker

(Witness the newspaper articles that never fail to identify a teenage victim of violence as a cheerleader).

The New York Times

If enough users fail to identify an unknown, the word is deemed to be indecipherable and is marked as such.

The New York Times - Science

I am aware that little irritates readers more – and rightly so – than when we fail to identify devolved powers properly.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to identify", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The software failed to identify the malware" is clearer than "It failed to identify."

Common error

While "fail to identify" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "miss identifying" or "unable to discern" to enhance readability and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to identify" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a lack of success or ability in recognizing or determining something. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, such as failing to identify a fault or a cause.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to identify" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a lack of recognition or determination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various domains, including science, news, and business. While acceptable in most contexts, varying vocabulary with synonyms such as "miss identifying" or "unable to discern" can enhance writing. It's important to ensure clarity in subject and object usage to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

miss identifying

Emphasizes the action of missing the correct identification, adding a nuance of active oversight.

neglect to identify

Suggests a lack of attention or care in the process of identification.

unable to discern

Focuses on the inability to distinguish or perceive something clearly.

cannot recognize

Highlights the lack of recognition, often due to unfamiliarity or obscurity.

overlook

Implies missing something that was present but not noticed.

miss detecting

Similar to "miss identifying" but used to mean to fail to notice something, often in a technical context.

fall short of identifying

Emphasizes the failure to reach a desired outcome or goal.

be unsuccessful in identifying

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "fail to identify".

misinterpret

Conveys an incorrect understanding or identification due to flawed analysis.

get wrong

Informal expression to indicate to obtain an incorect answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to identify" to describe situations where someone or something is unable to recognize or determine something. For example: "The researchers "failed to identify" the cause of the problem."

What are some alternatives to "fail to identify"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "miss identifying", "unable to discern", or "cannot recognize".

Is it better to say "failed at identifying" or "failed to identify"?

"Failed to identify" is generally preferred because it's more concise and direct. "Failed at identifying" is grammatically correct but can sound less formal and is often used when emphasizing the attempt.

What's the difference between "fail to identify" and "overlook"?

"Fail to identify" generally means an inability to recognize or determine something. "Overlook", on the other hand, implies missing something that was present but not noticed. So, "overlook" suggests a lack of attention, while "fail to identify" indicates an inability or failure in the process of identification.