failed to follow

USAGE SUMMARY

"failed to follow" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone did not follow through with an action or instruction. Example: The student failed to follow the teacher's instructions and ended up getting a low grade on the assignment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Senate failed to follow suit.

The New York Times

But the House failed to follow suit.

The New York Times

He has failed to follow his own advice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kirk S. Lippold, failed to follow all of the procedures.

The New York Times

K. Rowling; she has also failed to follow her Disney.

The New York Times - Arts

What happened is they failed to follow his instructions.

The New Yorker

Kirk Lippold, failed to follow appropriate procedures in Aden.

The New York Times

The plotters failed to follow the standard putsch handbook.

The New Yorker

He failed to follow up on his discovery, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Postal operators which failed to follow these rules would be fined.

The Guardian - Business

The board also complained that mechanics had improvised and failed to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to follow", ensure the context clearly states what should have been followed (e.g., instructions, procedures, guidelines). This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to follow" without specifying what was not followed. For example, instead of saying "The team failed to follow", specify "The team failed to follow the safety protocols".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to follow" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of adherence or compliance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples demonstrating its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failed to follow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes a lack of adherence or compliance. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial, ensuring that the object of non-compliance is explicitly stated. Alternatives such as "did not adhere to" or "did not comply with" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not adhere to

Focuses on the lack of adherence or compliance, implying a breach of rules or guidelines.

did not comply with

Highlights the non-compliance aspect, suggesting a more formal requirement that wasn't met.

neglected to observe

Emphasizes the oversight or omission in following a rule or instruction.

did not heed

Implies a disregard for advice or warnings, leading to a failure to follow.

disregarded the guidelines

Specifically points to a conscious decision to ignore established guidelines.

did not respect

This variant suggest a certain degree of intentionality by denoting lack of consideration.

bypassed the protocol

Indicates that procedures or processes where not followed

omitted to perform

Highlights a failure to perform an action or task that was expected.

shirked the responsibility

Emphasizes the evasion of a duty or obligation, resulting in a failure to follow through.

overlooked the requirements

Suggests an accidental failure to consider all necessary factors when not following

FAQs

What does "failed to follow" mean?

The phrase "failed to follow" means that someone did not adhere to or comply with a set of instructions, rules, guidelines, or a predetermined course of action.

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

You can use alternatives like "did not adhere to", "did not comply with", or "neglected to observe" depending on the context.

Is "failed to follow" grammatically correct?

Yes, "failed to follow" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "fail" followed by the infinitive form of "follow."

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

Use "failed to follow" to indicate a lack of adherence to something specific. For example, "The company failed to follow the regulations" or "The student failed to follow the instructions on the exam".