failed to capture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to capture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that did not succeed in obtaining or representing a particular idea, emotion, or detail. Example: "The film failed to capture the essence of the novel, leaving many fans disappointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet they failed to capture him.

The Guardian - Opinion

The raid, carried out in April, failed to capture him.

The New York Times

African allies had tried — and failed — to capture him.

The Washington Post

The test simply failed to capture that progress.

The New York Times

In 1429 Joan of Arc failed to capture Paris.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our performance was quite disappointing, as "Sir Loops-a-Lot" failed to capture a single cylinder.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The perfect bond model failed to capture the softening behaviour of the beams.

Composite Structures

Even the traditional diversions have failed to capture sustained public attention.

The New York Times

In addition, videotape surveillance failed to capture the hand-to-hand transactions.

The New York Times

"Gore failed to capture even those that did like the president," he wrote.

The New York Times

But ethical investment has, arguably, failed to capture the public's imagination.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to capture", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was not successfully obtained or represented. Specify the object or idea that was missed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to capture" in overly broad statements without specifying what specific aspect was missed. Providing specific details strengthens the statement and makes it more informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to capture" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of success in obtaining, representing, or recording something. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, such as failing to capture emotions or data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to capture" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a lack of success in obtaining, representing, or recording something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields, especially News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what was not successfully captured. Related phrases like "did not manage to seize" or "was unable to portray" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and specify the missing aspect for a stronger statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not accurately represent

Focuses on the inability to provide a true or precise depiction.

did not manage to seize

Emphasizes the lack of success in physically or metaphorically taking something.

was unable to portray

Indicates an inability to accurately depict or represent something.

did not succeed in grasping

Highlights the inability to fully understand or comprehend something.

did not successfully record

Emphasizes the lack of success in documenting or preserving something.

fell short of depicting

Focuses on the inadequacy of representation or portrayal.

omitted to reflect

Focuses on the lack of mirroring or representing something accurately.

missed the opportunity to grab

Highlights the lost chance to obtain or secure something.

overlooked the chance to seize

Highlights the missed opportunity to take advantage of something.

neglected to include

Indicates an omission or failure to incorporate something.

FAQs

How can I use "failed to capture" in a sentence?

You can use "failed to capture" to describe something that didn't succeed in obtaining or representing something, for example, "The movie "failed to capture" the book's essence".

What are some alternatives to "failed to capture"?

Alternatives include "did not manage to seize", "did not succeed in grasping", or "was unable to portray", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "failed to capture" or "did not capture"?

Both "failed to capture" and "did not capture" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis; "failed to capture" can imply a stronger sense of inadequacy or unsuccessful attempt.

What's the difference between "failed to capture" and "failed to include"?

"Failed to capture" suggests an inability to accurately represent or obtain something, while "failed to include"/"neglected to include" simply means something was left out or omitted.