failed to congratulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to congratulate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where someone did not express congratulations to another person, often implying a sense of oversight or neglect. Example: "She felt hurt when her friends failed to congratulate her on her promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr Gandhi and his mother, Sonia, gracelessly failed to congratulate Mr Modi.

The Economist

The latest speculation began last week, after Castro uncharacteristically failed to congratulate Chávez publicly on his reëlection victory.

The New Yorker

Isinbayeva's manners were less exemplary with her fellow competitors, whom she failed to congratulate on the track.

The New York Times - Sports

Donald Trump seemed deflated and unable to conjure his usual showbiz in a speech that lasted little more than 15 minutes and failed to congratulate John Kasich on his victory in Ohio.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In 1994 I turned away from Kuchar's San Francisco door, having failed to pluck up the courage to congratulate him on his ludicrous vision.

The Guardian - Film

It is a habit of the United States Congress never to congratulate itself until it has utterly failed to accomplish what it set out to do.

The Guardian - Opinion

After the verdict today, relatives congratulated the prosecutor, J. Thomas Morgan, who failed to win convictions in the earlier trial.

The New York Times

If, as seems likely, the new treaty is ratified without popular votes, the politicians will be able to congratulate themselves on having smuggled through the back door what they failed to bring in through the front.

The Economist

In his autobiography he congratulates himself for giving a "firmly triangular" shape to British politics even if he failed to reshape it around a centrist alliance.

The Economist

Cyclist Nicole Cooke has congratulated team-mate Lizzie Armitstead on winning GB's first 2012 medal after her own bid failed to retain the Olympic title.

BBC

He patted Mr Meles paternally on the knee and congratulated him on the job he was doing, ignoring a growing number of African critics who say Ethiopia has failed to open its markets and is stifling dissent.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failed to congratulate" when you want to emphasize a lack of acknowledgment or recognition, often with a negative connotation.

Common error

While "failed to congratulate" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound accusatory. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "did not congratulate" or "omitted congratulations" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to congratulate" functions as a verb phrase indicating an omission or neglect to express congratulations. This is evident in Ludwig examples where individuals or groups did not offer celebratory remarks or acknowledgments. It suggests a lack of recognition or possibly disapproval.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failed to congratulate" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express the absence of congratulatory remarks or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While the phrase is typically found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral to slightly negative tone. When using this phrase, consider the context and potential implications, as it can suggest an oversight or deliberate withholding of praise. Alternatives like "did not congratulate" or "neglected to congratulate" might be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not congratulate

Direct replacement focusing on the absence of congratulation.

neglected to congratulate

Highlights the oversight or lack of attention in offering congratulations.

omitted congratulations

Emphasizes the absence of any congratulatory message or action.

refrained from congratulating

Suggests a deliberate choice not to offer congratulations.

did not offer congratulations

Formal way of expressing the absence of congratulatory remarks.

withheld congratulations

Implies a deliberate holding back of congratulations, possibly due to disapproval.

forgot to congratulate

Indicates a simple lapse in memory or oversight.

missed the opportunity to congratulate

Focuses on the lost chance to offer congratulations.

passed up the chance to congratulate

Highlights the deliberate decision not to congratulate.

gave no congratulations

Simple and direct way of indicating the absence of congratulations.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "fails to congratulate" another?

It indicates a lack of acknowledgment or recognition for an achievement or milestone. It can imply disapproval, oversight, or a deliberate choice not to offer congratulations.

Is it rude to "fail to congratulate" someone?

It can be perceived as rude, especially if the achievement is significant to the person being congratulated. The perceived rudeness depends on the context and the relationship between the individuals involved.

What are some alternatives to saying someone "failed to congratulate"?

You could say they "did not congratulate", "neglected to congratulate", or "omitted congratulations". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "failed to congratulate"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the absence of congratulations and potentially highlight a negative implication or oversight. However, consider the potential for sounding accusatory, especially in formal contexts.