fail to resonate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to resonate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas, messages, or emotions that do not connect or have an impact on someone. Example: "Despite the effort put into the presentation, the main points seemed to fail to resonate with the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Some of the recollections, brief and often spotty, must fail to resonate with the reader.

The New York Times - Books

Another problem was that threats to office buildings often fail to resonate because the structures are too familiar.

The New York Times

There is clearly something right about 7, because other numbers fail to resonate with us in quite the same way.

The Guardian - Books

But for the everyday eater it was impossible: because there were so many dishes that soaked up waste, it would fail to resonate.

The Guardian

Environmental activists told InsideClimate News they believe skeptics' attempts to sway public and media opinion will fail to resonate with people.

The Guardian

The public can see for themselves that Nick Clegg is a patently likeable bloke, and gratuitous, below-the-belt abuse will simply fail to resonate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But it failed to resonate with fans.

Independent

On both counts, the message failed to resonate with voters.

The New York Times

Mourinho won the Champions League for Internazionale, but failed to resonate with the wider Italian public.

Independent

Still, Coca-Cola's partnership with Keurig for the Keurig Kold failed to resonate with consumers.

Independent

Feminism fails to resonate with many of the women who seem most likely to embrace it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fail to resonate" when you want to emphasize the lack of emotional or intellectual connection, not just a simple failure.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to resonate" when a simpler term like "fail" or "not work" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the lack of connection or emotional impact is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to resonate" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a lack of connection, impact, or emotional response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show it describes messages, ideas, or art not connecting with an audience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to resonate" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression that indicates a lack of connection, influence, or emotional impact. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides examples from diverse sources, with News & Media being the most prevalent context. While there are several alternatives, such as "lack impact" and "fall flat", it's essential to select the most fitting synonym based on the specific context to convey the intended meaning effectively. Avoid overusing the phrase in scenarios where simpler terms would suffice and aim to provide additional context when using "fail to resonate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack impact

Focuses on the absence of a significant effect or influence.

not connect

A more direct and simple way of expressing a lack of connection.

not register

Suggests a failure to be noticed or understood.

not strike a chord

Indicates a failure to evoke a sympathetic or emotional response.

fall flat

Implies a complete lack of impact or success; more informal.

not sink in

Suggests a failure to be fully understood or appreciated.

miss the mark

Indicates a failure to achieve the intended effect or goal.

leave unmoved

Emphasizes a lack of emotional impact.

prove unconvincing

Suggests a failure to persuade or convince.

be ineffective

Focuses on the lack of effectiveness or success in achieving a desired outcome.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "fails to resonate"?

It means that something doesn't connect with people, evoke a feeling, or have a significant impact.

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

You might say, "The politician's speech "did not connect" with the younger voters because it "failed to resonate" with their concerns."

What are some alternatives to "fail to resonate"?

Alternatives include "lack impact", "fall flat", or "not strike a chord", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "fail to resonate" in formal writing?

Yes, "fail to resonate" is appropriate for formal writing, as shown by its presence in publications like The New York Times and The Economist. However, ensure it fits the tone and context of your piece.