fail to listen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to listen" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone does not pay attention or heed what is being said. Example: "In meetings, it is crucial that team members do not fail to listen to each other's ideas and concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

As if I'd possibly fail to listen.

The New York Times

Candidates who jump to improper conclusions, fail to listen or are overly opinionated fare poorly because such behavior undermines teams.

The New York Times - Health

They sit there reading their law books and arguing about how long their beards should be, and fail to listen to the true message of the prophet".

The New York Times

To the Editor: I am surprised that anyone would trust mini interviews for medical school applicants to reveal "character flaws" that might lead doctors to bully nurses and fail to listen to patients.

The New York Times

Before she died, in 2011, Schneider herself spoke of the nonconsensual nature of the scene and its psychological toll on her — did we fail to listen to her then?

The New Yorker

Past performance suggests that the Home Office will plough on regardless, produce a flimsy justification for new powers, and combine it with political threats about the dire consequences should parliament fail to listen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It exists because we have failed to listen.

The Washington Post

Woodson also said Callahan failed to listen to his veterans.

The New York Times - Sports

When he failed to listen, they followed through.

The Guardian

It looks like both of them failed to listen to their own people.

The Guardian - Opinion

She delivered the goods, and all those hipsters who once lauded her failed to listen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to listen", ensure the context clearly indicates the negative consequences of not paying attention, enhancing the impact of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to listen" when the issue is not about hearing the words but understanding the underlying message or emotions. Use phrases like "fail to understand" or "miss the point" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to listen" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of attentiveness or unwillingness to heed information. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing criticism or concern about communication breakdowns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to listen" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a lack of attentiveness or unwillingness to heed information. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, indicates its versatility across various contexts, including news, business, and science. While alternatives like "neglect to listen" or "refuse to listen" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remembering the impact of failing to actively listen and understanding the message, rather than merely hearing the words, ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglect to listen

Implies a carelessness or lack of attention in hearing or considering something.

refuse to listen

Suggests a deliberate choice not to pay attention or consider advice.

disregard instructions

Focuses on ignoring specific directives or guidelines.

ignore advice

Highlights the act of overlooking helpful suggestions or counsel.

turn a deaf ear

An idiomatic expression meaning to ignore someone's pleas or warnings.

be inattentive

Describes a general lack of attention or focus when someone is speaking.

not heed

To not pay attention to or consider something.

overlook warnings

Emphasizes the failure to notice or take seriously potential dangers or problems.

miss the point

Suggests a failure to understand the key message or argument being conveyed.

brush aside

Implies a dismissive attitude toward information or concerns.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to listen" to describe someone's inability or unwillingness to pay attention to what is being said. For instance, "Politicians often "fail to listen" to the concerns of their constituents".

What are some alternatives to "fail to listen"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "neglect to listen", "refuse to listen", or "disregard instructions".

Is it better to say "failed to listen" or "did not listen"?

"Failed to listen" often implies a more significant consequence or a missed opportunity due to not paying attention, while "did not listen" is a more neutral statement of fact.

What's the difference between "ignore" and "fail to listen"?

"Ignore" suggests a conscious decision to disregard something, while ""fail to listen"" can imply either a deliberate or unintentional lack of attention. "Ignore" suggests there was a deliberate action.