fail to inform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to inform" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where someone did not provide necessary information or failed to communicate something important. Example: "The company failed to inform its employees about the changes in policy, leading to confusion and frustration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Nonetheless, even in this ideal situation, most questions about evolution would go unanswered: Many correct information sources fail to inform because they lack relevance for the inquirer's context.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

In a report released on March 30, Human Rights Watch reveals that these programs censor information about condoms and fail to inform young women of the H.I.V. risks within marriage.

The New York Times

But a recent report by Citizen Action, a liberal advocacy group, said that hospitals often fail to inform patients of the availability of financial aid.

The New York Times

"If players were informed, why did M.L.B. fail to inform Congress of this fact during the 2005 hearing, or at any time thereafter?" Waxman and Davis wrote.

The New York Times - Sports

It also shows too how news can fail to inform, and the researchers do suggest different and innovative approaches to improve the quality of news.

The Guardian

The regulations also say that traders who fail to inform you in writing of your right to a cooling off period will be committing a criminal offence.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Huffpo never fails to inform.

The New Yorker

"Failing to inform somebody can put their life at risk.

The New York Times - Sports

Texas failed to inform families of health coverage available to a million children.

The New York Times

They failed to inform him of the strategy that led to his name being made public.

The Guardian

Hendricks would probably not have told Pettitte and failed to inform Clemens of the request.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to inform", ensure the context clearly indicates who should have provided the information and to whom. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

While "fail to inform" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make the tone seem accusatory. In such contexts, consider alternatives like "neglected to notify" or "omitted to inform" for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to inform" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of communication or omission of information. It's used to describe a situation where someone neglects to provide necessary or expected details. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to inform" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of communication or a failure to provide necessary information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English. While generally neutral, its tone can be perceived as accusatory in formal contexts. Therefore, consider alternatives like "neglected to notify" or "omitted to inform" for a more objective tone. Predominantly found in news and scientific sources, "fail to inform" serves to highlight a deficiency in communication, often with negative consequences. Remembering to specify the responsible party and the intended recipient ensures clarity and strengthens the statement's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglect to notify

Focuses on the act of neglecting a required notification.

omit to inform

Emphasizes the act of leaving out crucial information.

forget to mention

Highlights the unintentional aspect of not providing information.

not disclose

Focuses on the act of intentionally withholding information.

keep in the dark

Emphasizes the act of intentionally withholding information to maintain secrecy.

withhold information

Stresses the act of holding back information.

not make aware

Highlights the failure to bring awareness to someone.

leave uninformed

Focuses on the state of being uninformed as a result.

be remiss in informing

Indicates a fault or negligence in providing information.

not communicate

A general term for not conveying information.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to inform" to describe a situation where someone does not provide necessary information. For example: "The company "failed to inform" its employees about the policy changes."

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

Alternatives include "neglect to notify", "omit to inform", or "forget to mention", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "failed to inform" or "did not inform"?

"Failed to inform" often carries a stronger connotation of negligence or responsibility than "did not inform". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the failure or simply state the lack of information.

What's the difference between "fail to inform" and "misinform"?

"Fail to inform" means not providing information at all, while "misinform" means providing incorrect or misleading information. They represent opposite issues in communication.