failed to comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to comprehend" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone did not understand something. For example, "She failed to comprehend the complicated instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Like Mary, Joseph failed to comprehend Jesus' ironic question, " 'How is it that you sought me?

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the time, Cecil failed to comprehend the sheikh's ambitions for his homeland.

Independent

Clara was singing something that I strained to hear, and failed to comprehend.

The New Yorker

No matter whom she spoke with, it seemed as if each person failed to comprehend what Totonno's signified.

The New York Times - Food

Blinded by hatred, he failed to comprehend what Reverend Pinckney so well understood – the power of God's grace.

The Guardian

But what the prosecution failed to comprehend was that the 1959 Act had wrought some important changes in the law.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

And, as we saw yesterday, they often fail to comprehend personal responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem, she points out, is that we humans fail to comprehend our collective effect the planet.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Gold can be alternately charming and combative if a listener fails to comprehend a point quickly.

The New York Times

Groups representing victims of priests say such attitudes fail to comprehend the depth of the victims' pain.

The New York Times

"When juries fail to comprehend the monstrous scale of a police officer's murder, they fail society itself," Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said in a statement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failed to comprehend" when you want to express a lack of understanding, particularly in situations where the subject matter is complex or requires significant effort to grasp. It is more formal than "didn't understand".

Common error

Avoid using "failed to comprehend" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "didn't understand" or "missed the point" would be more appropriate. The formality of the phrase can sound unnatural in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to comprehend" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a lack of understanding or inability to grasp a concept. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct. It often appears as part of a clause describing someone's inability to understand something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failed to comprehend" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of understanding. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts. While primarily found in news, media, encyclopedia, and scientific sources, its formality makes it less suitable for casual conversation. Alternatives include "failed to understand" or "did not grasp", depending on the desired nuance and context. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the formality of your writing to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to understand

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing 'comprehend' with the more common word 'understand'.

did not understand

This alternative is a simple rephrasing using 'did not' for a more direct tone.

failed to grasp

This alternative uses 'grasp' instead of 'comprehend', suggesting a failure to seize or take hold of an idea.

was unable to understand

This alternative emphasizes the inability to understand, rather than a simple lack of comprehension.

failed to perceive

This alternative focuses on a lack of awareness or sensory understanding.

failed to apprehend

This suggests a more formal or legal context, implying a failure to seize or arrest, or a failure to understand impending events.

missed the point

This alternative implies a failure to understand the central idea or argument.

failed to fathom

Using 'fathom' implies a failure to deeply understand or investigate something complex.

did not get it

This is a more informal way of saying someone didn't understand.

remained clueless

This alternative emphasizes a complete lack of understanding, often in a humorous or critical way.

FAQs

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

You can use "failed to comprehend" to indicate a lack of understanding. For instance, "The student failed to comprehend the complex equation", or "The politician failed to comprehend the severity of the situation".

What are some alternatives to "failed to comprehend"?

Alternatives include phrases like "failed to understand", "failed to grasp", or "did not understand". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "failed to comprehend" or "did not understand"?

"Failed to comprehend" is more formal and suggests a deeper lack of understanding, whereas "did not understand" is more general and can be used in most situations. The choice depends on the formality required.

What's the difference between "failed to comprehend" and "failed to appreciate"?

"Failed to comprehend" indicates a lack of intellectual understanding, while "failed to appreciate" suggests a lack of understanding or recognition of the value or importance of something. They address different types of understanding.