fail to notice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to notice" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that someone did not see something that should have been seen or was missed. Example: I failed to notice the error in the report until it was too late.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet we fail to notice".

The Guardian - Film

You couldn't fail to notice him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Did you fail to notice what I'm about?

The New Yorker

You cannot fail to notice that people are ticked off.

The New York Times

That means it will fail to notice things.

The New York Times

It was an apology that you couldn't fail to notice.

The Guardian

No one will fail to notice Robinson, however.

The New York Times

Nor can one fail to notice their almost ghostly whiteness.

The New York Times

Do not fail to notice the cunning little grilles on the doors of the flanking maisonettes.

The New York Times

He could fail to notice murky things going on behind his back.

The Economist

They couldn't fail to notice we worked seven days a week already.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to notice", ensure the context clearly indicates what should have been observed. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, "fail to notice" can sometimes sound passive. In formal contexts, consider stronger, more direct verbs like "overlook", "disregard", or "miss" to convey a more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to notice" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of awareness or perception. It expresses that someone did not observe or recognize something, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fail to notice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating a lack of awareness or perception. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to describe oversights and can be found in diverse contexts, primarily in news media and scientific publications. While versatile, being mindful of its potentially passive tone in formal writing can help enhance clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "overlook" or "miss" for stronger expressions. With a high expert rating of 4.5, the phrase proves to be a reliable and widely accepted element in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

miss

This alternative is a shorter, more direct verb for failing to perceive something.

not realize

This alternative emphasizes the lack of realization or understanding.

overlook

This alternative is a single-word verb implying a failure to observe or consider something.

be unaware of

This alternative focuses on the state of not knowing or realizing something.

disregard

This alternative suggests a conscious decision to ignore or dismiss something.

neglect to observe

This alternative highlights the aspect of neglecting to pay attention.

lose sight of

This alternative implies that something was once known or considered but has been forgotten or ignored.

be blind to

This alternative uses a metaphorical expression implying a strong inability to see or understand.

let slip by

This alternative means to allow something to pass without being noticed or addressed.

turn a blind eye to

This alternative suggests a deliberate choice to ignore something, often something negative or problematic.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to notice" to indicate that someone did not see something that should have been seen. For example, "I "failed to notice" the error in the report until it was too late."

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

You can use alternatives like "overlook", "miss", or "be unaware of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "fail to notice" or "failed to notice"?

The choice between "fail to notice" and "failed to notice" depends on the tense you want to convey. Use "fail to notice" for present or general statements, and "failed to notice" for past events.

What's the difference between "fail to notice" and "refuse to notice"?

"Fail to notice" indicates an unintentional oversight, while "refuse to notice" implies a deliberate choice to ignore something.