failed to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone did not provide a response to a question or request. Example: "The candidate failed to answer the question about their previous work experience during the interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three times, and he failed to answer.

The New Yorker

Chavez failed to answer the bell in the ninth round.

The New York Times - Sports

Again he failed to answer the question directly.

The Guardian - Sport

This was the question that the chancellor failed to answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

It added that TRW had failed to answer many questions.

The New York Times

Monday was the sixth time that Mr. Vorayuth failed to answer summonses at prosecutors' offices.

The New York Times

(The health ministry failed to answer repeated requests to confirm the number).

The Economist

The Prime Minister failed to answer this four times in the House of Commons this week.

Independent

That Mr Miliband has failed to answer it is not only a presentational issue.

The Economist

She suspected he had been drinking heavily when he failed to answer his mobile.

The Guardian

Its press office failed to answer queries emailed to it yesterday morning.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to answer", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the failure was due to inability, unwillingness, or oversight. Choose a more specific alternative if the reason is known (e.g., "refused to answer", "was unable to answer").

Common error

Avoid using "failed to answer" when the reason for not answering is known to be strategic or intentional (e.g., in legal or political contexts). Using a phrase like "declined to comment" is more accurate in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to answer" primarily functions as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable. It signifies the absence of a response to a question, summons, or other form of communication. Examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in contexts ranging from personal interactions to formal inquiries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failed to answer" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the absence of a response, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its versatility allows for use across diverse contexts, from formal reports to casual conversations. While seemingly straightforward, nuanced alternatives like "declined to respond" or "was unable to answer" may better capture the specific reason for the lack of response. Therefore, users should carefully consider the context to ensure accuracy and clarity. Prominent sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, underscoring its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not answer

A more direct synonym, simply stating the absence of an answer.

did not respond

Focuses on the lack of any response, not necessarily limited to questions.

was unable to answer

Highlights the inability to answer, suggesting a lack of capacity or knowledge.

did not reply

Similar to "did not respond", but specifically implies a lack of verbal or written reply.

refused to answer

Indicates a deliberate choice not to answer, rather than an inability.

declined to answer

A more formal way of saying "refused to answer".

remained silent

Emphasizes the lack of any verbal response, suggesting evasion or unwillingness to speak.

evaded the question

Focuses on the act of avoiding a direct answer, often through indirect responses.

left unanswered

Shifts the focus to the question itself, highlighting that it remains without an answer.

could not provide an answer

Emphasizes the inability to give a response because of lack of information.

FAQs

What does "failed to answer" mean?

The phrase "failed to answer" means someone did not provide a response, either because they were unable or unwilling to do so. It suggests a lack of reply to a question, request, or communication.

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

You can use alternatives like "did not respond", "was unable to answer", or "refused to answer" depending on the context.

Is "failed to answer" formal or informal?

The phrase "failed to answer" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context will influence the most appropriate choice of words. In certain formal settings, "declined to answer" might be more suitable.

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

You can use "failed to answer" in a sentence like this: "The witness "failed to answer" the prosecutor's question directly" or "The company "failed to answer" repeated inquiries about the product's safety."