failed to appreciate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to appreciate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a lack of recognition or understanding of something's value or significance. Example: "He failed to appreciate the hard work that went into the project, which led to misunderstandings among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They failed to appreciate her quick wit.

The New York Times - Books

Yet HMRC seemingly failed to appreciate that.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But I'd failed to appreciate why these myths persisted.

The New York Times - Books

For the most part, Leipzig failed to appreciate the effort.

The New Yorker

Village residents failed to appreciate the role of small carnivores in rodent control.

Ecosystem Services

Unfortunately, the act's drafters failed to appreciate the speed with which digital technology moves.

The Economist

Looking back, DeBartolo said he failed to appreciate the history involved.

The New York Times - Sports

But it failed to appreciate that whereas farmers receive the payouts, JA often handles the paperwork.

The Economist

One modern invention that Naismith failed to appreciate properly was the automobile.

The New York Times - Sports

But football critics, he said, failed to appreciate the sport's importance to low-income students.

The New Yorker

It was only then we realised why we'd failed to appreciate the screen's warning.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to appreciate", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It implies more than just a lack of knowledge; it suggests a failure to recognize the value or importance of something.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "failed to appreciate" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't get" or "didn't realize" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to appreciate" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to express a lack of understanding, recognition, or value towards something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to appreciate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that indicates a lack of understanding, recognition, or value. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by a vast array of real-world examples, confirms its versatility across various contexts, from formal news reports to scientific discussions. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey and the audience you're addressing. In very informal contexts, consider simpler alternatives. The phrase is most common in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not recognize

This alternative is a more direct and simple way of expressing a lack of recognition.

did not acknowledge

This alternative implies a failure to give due recognition or credit.

did not understand

This alternative focuses on a lack of comprehension rather than a lack of appreciation.

did not realize

This alternative suggests a failure to become aware of something.

underestimated

This alternative implies a misjudgment of value or importance.

missed the point

This alternative suggests a failure to grasp the essential element of something.

overlooked

This alternative implies a neglect or disregard of something.

did not value

This alternative focuses on a lack of assigned worth or importance.

was oblivious to

This alternative suggests a complete unawareness of something.

remained ignorant of

This alternative emphasizes a continued lack of knowledge or understanding.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "failed to appreciate"?

You can use alternatives like "did not recognize", "did not understand", or "underestimated" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "failed to appreciate" in a sentence?

You can use "failed to appreciate" to describe someone's lack of recognition or understanding of something's value. For example, "He failed to appreciate the hard work that went into the project."

What is the difference between "failed to appreciate" and "failed to understand"?

"Failed to understand" focuses on a lack of comprehension, while "failed to appreciate" implies a lack of recognition of value or significance. You might understand something intellectually but still "fail to appreciate" its importance.

Is "failed to appreciate" formal or informal?

While usable in most contexts, "failed to appreciate" leans towards the formal side. In very informal settings, consider simpler phrases like "didn't get" or "didn't see the point of".