fail to speak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to speak" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about a situation in which you or someone else is unable to utter words or express themself verbally. For example: After being asked a difficult question, the witness failed to speak.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

We will be doing a disservice if we fail to speak up today".

The New York Times

A failure of leadership and moral authority occurs wherever this behavior takes place, especially when our most revered institutions of learning fail to speak out against bigotry.

The New York Times

It follows a Spectator interview in which she questioned the way staff in Whitehall fail to speak their minds and expressed exasperation at their fondness for acronyms.

The Guardian

The second is the situational perspective, which argues that these employees fail to speak up because they feel their work environment is not conducive for it.

Harvard Business Review

In typical organizations, 72% fail to speak up when a peer doesn't pull their weight and 57% let peers slide when they skirt important workplace processes.

Harvard Business Review

Analysts say that if the Europeans fail to speak with one voice in voting for the Palestinian request and recognizing Israeli concerns at the same time, their credibility across the Middle East will be tainted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Doctors failed to speak out.

The Guardian

Yet Iraq's neighbouring states failed to speak out.

The Guardian

Mr. Biller rarely failed to speak his mind.

The New York Times

Only two United Nations members failed to speak in the General Assembly.

The New York Times

Failing to speak for about 12 seconds in my first ever live report.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fail to speak" when you want to emphasize a lack of verbal communication in a situation where speech is expected or required.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to speak" when you mean "refuse to speak". "Fail to speak" suggests an inability, while "refuse to speak" indicates a deliberate choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to speak" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes an action, or rather, a lack of action, indicating an inability or unwillingness to communicate verbally. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fail to speak" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe an absence of verbal communication, according to Ludwig AI. It is appropriate for various contexts, including formal and informal settings. While it's important to distinguish it from "refuse to speak", it serves as an effective way to convey the inability or failure to utter words. Its frequent use in news, business, and scientific publications underscores its widespread acceptance. Consider alternatives like "remain silent" or "decline to comment" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse to talk

Implies a deliberate choice not to speak, rather than an inability.

not utter a word

Emphasizes the complete absence of any verbal communication.

remain silent

Focuses on the absence of speech, often in response to a specific situation or question.

hold one's tongue

To restrain oneself from speaking, often to avoid saying something inappropriate or offensive.

decline to comment

Specifically used when someone chooses not to provide an opinion or information on a particular matter.

be unable to articulate

Highlights a difficulty in expressing oneself clearly, rather than a complete lack of speech.

be struck dumb

To be so surprised or shocked that one is unable to speak.

lose one's voice

Suggests a temporary inability to speak, often due to physical or emotional reasons.

clam up

Informal term for suddenly becoming silent, often due to nervousness or fear.

keep mum

Informal way to say someone is keeping a secret or refusing to talk about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to speak" to describe a situation where someone is unable or does not speak, such as "The witness "failed to speak" during the trial".

What is a good alternative to "fail to speak"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "remain silent", "decline to comment", or "be unable to articulate".

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

"Fail to speak" suggests an inability or failure to utter words, while "refuse to speak" indicates a deliberate choice not to speak. The former implies a lack of capacity, while the latter implies volition.

When is it appropriate to use "fail to speak"?

Use "fail to speak" when describing someone's inability to communicate verbally due to fear, shock, or a medical condition. In contrast, if someone is making a conscious decision to stay silent, phrases like "refuse to talk" are more appropriate.