fail to recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

'fail to recognize' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about not being able to identify something or someone familiar. For example, "The man failed to recognize his daughter after so many years apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They fail to recognize those gaffes as missteps.

The Guardian

To fail to recognize this reality would be a mistake".

The New York Times - Science

That's where fans fail to recognize Woodson's value.

The New York Times

Worse yet, they fail to recognize their lack of objectivity.

The New York Times

Negotiators often fail to recognize when their power is fleeting.

Harvard University

The petitioners fail to recognize several important facts.

Yale University

And the reason is that others fail to recognize them.

Harvard Business Review

Anaesthetists may fail to recognize and manage certain rare intraoperative events.

British Journal of Anaesthesia

And people will fail to recognize a change in their emotional response to what happened.

The New Yorker

Aduriz realizes that most of his patrons fail to recognize his ambitions.

The New York Times - Magazine

But we'll never offer the helping hand if we fail to recognize that there's a problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to recognize", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is not being recognized and why it matters.

Common error

While "fail to recognize" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse in formal writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "overlook", "neglect to notice", or "be unaware of" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to recognize" functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of perception or understanding. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to recognize" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of awareness, understanding, or perception. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. With a "Very common" frequency, it appears across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is not being recognized and why it matters. Alternatives like "overlook" or "be unaware of" can provide stylistic variation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "fail to recognize" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not acknowledge

Replaces "recognize" with "acknowledge", focusing on a lack of acceptance or admission.

miss identifying

Emphasizes the act of incorrectly identifying something.

overlook

Suggests neglecting to notice something, implying it was present but missed.

be unaware of

Focuses on the lack of awareness or knowledge about something.

not appreciate

Highlights a failure to understand the value or importance of something.

neglect to notice

Similar to overlook, but adds emphasis to the idea of neglect.

disregard

Implies a conscious decision to ignore or dismiss something.

be blind to

Figuratively suggests not being able to see or understand something, often due to bias.

lose sight of

Indicates a gradual forgetting or de-emphasizing of something important.

remain ignorant of

Highlights a continued state of lacking knowledge or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to recognize" to indicate a lack of awareness or understanding. For example, "Many people "fail to recognize" the symptoms of sleep apnea."

What are some alternatives to "fail to recognize"?

Alternatives include "overlook", "be unaware of", or "neglect to notice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fail to recognize" or "fails to recognize"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "fail to recognize" with plural subjects (e.g., "They fail to recognize"). Use "fails to recognize" with singular subjects (e.g., "He fails to recognize").

What's the difference between "fail to recognize" and "fail to realize"?

"Fail to recognize" implies a lack of awareness or identification, while "fail to realize" suggests a lack of understanding or comprehension. You might "fail to recognize" a person, but "fail to realize" the implications of a decision.