fail to replace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to replace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where something is not substituted or changed as expected or required. Example: "The company failed to replace the outdated equipment, leading to decreased productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

My prediction is that if Mutable wins, he'll get rid of Obamacare but fail to replace it with anything else.

The New York Times

These therapies provide for water/solute balance and toxin removal but fail to replace metabolic regulatory functions of the cellular elements of the kidney.

Comprehensive Biomaterials II

Tablet sales have been slowing, with even the dominant Apple iPad faltering as users fail to replace their machines as frequently as smartphones.

The Guardian - Tech

Our troubles will deepen exponentially if we fail to replace the wasteful fossil-fueled infrastructure of today with a system fueled by solar energy in its many forms, from artificial photosynthesis to fusion energy.

Yale University

Both papers, and most of their competitors, are fighting a long downward trend in readers, as the population in Germany ages and newspapers fail to replace older readers with young ones.

The New York Times

Replanting programs have attempted to restore hedgerow habitats, but the methods employed often fail to replace the unique microhabitats (complex matrix of stones, logs and roots found along the base of the hedge) that provided key refuges to an array of animal species.

Ecological Indicators

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Even mighty Exxon failed to replace 100% of its proven reserves last year.Chevron's replacement rate, according to its official filing with American regulators, was only 18% last year.

The Economist

Yet the White House has failed to replace Mr. DeMarco.

The New York Times

Bristol-Myers Squibb has lost patents and failed to replace them with new products.

The New York Times

Because in spite of the 300 revisions they had failed to replace all the names!

The Guardian - Opinion

Since most of those players have moved on, the Steelers have failed to replace them.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to replace", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what was expected to be replaced and the consequences of the failure. Providing context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to replace" without specifying what should have been replaced. Vagueness can confuse the reader. Be specific to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to replace" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of action or inability to substitute one thing for another. It's often used to describe shortcomings or unmet expectations, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fail to replace" is a commonly used phrase that describes the absence of a substitution or change. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds application across various domains, including news, science, and academia. It carries a neutral register and serves to express a lack of action or an inability to substitute effectively. While related phrases such as "neglect to substitute" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. Remember to be specific about what was expected to be replaced for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not replace

A more direct and simple way of expressing the lack of substitution.

be unable to substitute

Indicates a lack of capacity or possibility to replace.

not manage to replace

Highlights the lack of success in finding or providing a substitute.

neglect to substitute

Emphasizes oversight or lack of attention in providing a replacement.

fall short of replacing

Focuses on the inadequacy of the attempted replacement.

prove incapable of replacing

Stresses the demonstrated inability to provide a substitute.

omit to substitute

Highlights a deliberate or unintentional act of not replacing.

not bother to replace

Suggests a lack of effort or concern in providing a replacement.

neglect to reinstate

Focuses on not restoring something to a previous condition or position.

miss to restore

Emphasizes failure in bringing back the original state of something.

FAQs

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

Use "fail to replace" to indicate a lack of substitution or change. For example, "The company "failed to replace" the outdated equipment." Consider using alternatives like "neglect to substitute" depending on the specific context.

What does "fail to replace" mean?

It means that something or someone was not substituted or changed as expected or required. It implies a lack of replacement.

Which is correct: "fail to replace" or "failed at replacing"?

"Fail to replace" and "failed at replacing" have slightly different nuances. "Fail to replace" emphasizes the lack of substitution, while "failed at replacing" suggests an attempt was made, but it was unsuccessful. For alternatives, see "not manage to replace".

What are some phrases similar to "fail to replace"?

Alternatives include "neglect to substitute", "not manage to replace", or "be unable to substitute". Choose the phrase that best fits the context.