fail to see the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to see the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a lack of understanding or comprehension regarding the significance or meaning of something. Example: "Despite the detailed explanation, some team members still fail to see the point of the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I fail to see the point.

The New York Times

Hence, I fail to see the point in not focusing on Fagan in this analysis.

Cornell University

You either meet this sort of art halfway or fail to see the point.

The New York Times - Arts

First-year philosophy undergraduates often fail to see the point of thought experiments.

The Guardian - Books

I fail to see the point in exploring without the "explorers". I confront Steve, tell him this is useless.

The New York Times

The car, with its driver (me), could have left on time, but since I'm not personally going to school, I fail to see the point.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Lesson No 5: Failing to see the point is not a virtue.

Independent

When the other players failed to see the point, he explained.

The New York Times - Arts

Fabien Barthez failed to see the point of performing a 2.30am post-match inquest after the first match of the Domenech era.

The Guardian - Sport

In his darkest moments he fails to see the point of intensive-care units, where doctors often seem to pursue extreme methods, practically torturing patients, simply out of the compulsion to act.

The New York Times - Books

Bosley Crowther, the New York Times film critic then, having failed to see the point of "Bonnie and Clyde," wrote that it was just "another indulgence of a restless and reckless taste, and an embarrassing addition to an excess of violence on the screen".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fail to see the point" when you want to express a lack of understanding or agreement with a particular idea, argument, or action. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "the point" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to see the point" when a stronger disagreement is intended. This phrase indicates a lack of comprehension, not necessarily active opposition. If you actively disagree, use phrases like "disagree with the premise" or "believe this is flawed" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to see the point" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of understanding or comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It indicates that the speaker does not grasp the purpose, relevance, or significance of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fail to see the point" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that communicates a lack of understanding or comprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and applicable in varied scenarios. It's frequency is uncommon, appearing most often in News & Media. To use the phrase most effectively, ensure that the context clearly indicates what "the point" refers to and that a simple lack of understanding is the intended message, rather than a strong disagreement. Alternatives such as "miss the point" or "don't understand the rationale" can provide similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

miss the point

More concise, omits "fail to see" but conveys the same lack of understanding.

don't understand the rationale

Focuses on the reasoning behind something rather than the general 'point'.

do not grasp the significance

Emphasizes a lack of comprehension of the importance of something.

can't understand the purpose

Highlights a lack of clarity regarding the intended goal.

I don't get it

Informal, expresses a general lack of understanding.

I'm not following

Suggests an inability to track the logic or reasoning.

I am at a loss

Indicates confusion and an inability to understand.

I'm not sure I understand

Expresses uncertainty and a potential lack of comprehension.

I'm confused

Directly states a state of confusion.

I'm puzzled

Expresses mild confusion or bewilderment.

FAQs

What does it mean to "fail to see the point"?

To "fail to see the point" means to not understand the purpose, relevance, or importance of something. It implies a lack of comprehension or understanding.

What can I say instead of "fail to see the point"?

You can use alternatives like "miss the point", "don't understand the rationale", or "do not grasp the significance", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "fail to see the point" or "miss the point"?

Both "fail to see the point" and "miss the point" are correct and convey a similar meaning. "Miss the point" is more concise and commonly used, while "fail to see the point" can be used for emphasis or when explaining the lack of understanding.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "fail to see the point"?

Use "fail to see the point" when you genuinely do not understand something and want to express that lack of comprehension. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts, but consider the tone and adjust your language accordingly for professional situations.