failed to act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone did not take the necessary action or response in a given context. Example: "The committee failed to act on the recommendations provided by the advisory board, leading to further complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It still failed to act.

The New York Times

It failed to act.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Senate has failed to act.

The New York Times

Successive British governments have failed to act.

The Guardian

It has consistently failed to act.

The Guardian - Business

Successive governments have failed to act.

The Guardian

Too often, they have failed to act.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thus far governments have failed to act.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, lawmakers failed to act aggressively to ensure adequate oversight.

The New York Times

The Government also failed to act to deal with lobbying.

Independent

I failed to act my best or at all.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to act", ensure the context clearly indicates the expected or necessary action that was not taken. For example, specify the entity that failed to act and the specific action they should have performed.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to act" in isolation without specifying who failed and what the expected action was. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to act" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of action or intervention by a specific entity. It describes a situation where someone or something did not perform an expected or necessary action. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failed to act" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express a lack of action or intervention. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples confirms that it often carries a critical or disappointed tone and is frequently found in news and formal contexts. While its meaning is generally clear, ensure the context provides enough information to specify who failed and what action was expected. Consider alternatives like "neglected to take action" or "did not respond" to add nuance. By avoiding vagueness and clearly stating the context, you can effectively communicate the consequences of inaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglected to take action

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of negligence or oversight in not taking action.

omitted to intervene

This suggests a failure to step in and become involved in a situation that required attention.

did not respond

A general phrase for lack of reaction or action in response to something.

refrained from acting

Highlights a deliberate choice not to act, possibly due to caution or other considerations.

stayed inactive

Focuses on the continued state of non-action, remaining passive when action was needed.

remained passive

Similar to 'stayed inactive', this emphasizes a lack of engagement or involvement.

took no initiative

Indicates a failure to proactively start or pursue any course of action.

declined to act

Suggests a more formal refusal or unwillingness to take action, possibly against expectations.

was remiss in their duty

This alternative underscores the neglect of a specified duty or responsibility.

fell short of intervening

Highlights a failure to meet the implied expectation of intervention in a particular context.

FAQs

What does "failed to act" mean?

The phrase "failed to act" means that someone or something did not take the necessary or expected action in a particular situation. It implies a lack of intervention, response, or initiative.

What can I say instead of "failed to act"?

You can use alternatives such as "neglected to take action", "omitted to intervene", or "did not respond" depending on the specific context.

How to use "failed to act" in a sentence?

To use "failed to act" effectively, specify who or what failed to act and what action was expected. For example: "The government "failed to act" on the recommendations." or "The regulatory body "failed to act" promptly."

What is the difference between "failed to act" and "refused to act"?

"Failed to act" implies a lack of action, possibly due to negligence, oversight, or inability. "Refused to act" implies a deliberate decision not to take action, suggesting unwillingness or opposition.