failed to mention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to mention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone did not include certain information in their communication. Example: "During the meeting, she failed to mention the budget constraints that we need to consider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You completely failed to mention foreign policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Few commentators have failed to mention him.

The Guardian

He failed to mention minimum alcohol pricing once.

Independent

He said: "Regrettably, Mr Watson failed to mention all this".

Independent

The Times review of the program failed to mention it.

The New Yorker

And light-skinned, as he failed to mention.

The New Yorker

He failed to mention any of the less lenient standards.

The Economist

Books on Chinese cuisine failed to mention it.

The New York Times - Food

Chinese news accounts of the company's decision failed to mention the reason for Google's actions.

The Economist

Coach Liang recommended him for the provincial team, and failed to mention his arm measurements.

The New Yorker

In his reports, Angle failed to mention two key parts of Obamacare.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failed to mention" to politely point out an omission, especially when providing constructive feedback or clarifying information. For example: "The report is comprehensive, but it "failed to mention" the environmental impact assessment."

Common error

Avoid using "failed to mention" in situations where it implies malice or deception without clear evidence. Consider softening the language if the omission could be due to oversight or lack of awareness. A more neutral phrasing, such as "did not include" or "did not address", can be less confrontational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to mention" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that someone omitted or neglected to include certain information in their communication. Ludwig examples highlight its use in various contexts, ranging from news reports to personal accounts, showing its versatility in pointing out omissions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failed to mention" is a grammatically sound and very common verb phrase used to indicate an omission in communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it’s best used with consideration for the intended tone, avoiding accusatory implications unless supported by evidence. Alternatives like "omitted to mention" or "did not include" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to employ it thoughtfully to ensure clarity and avoid unintended confrontational overtones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Omitted to mention

Emphasizes the act of leaving something out, intentionally or unintentionally.

Neglected to mention

Suggests a lack of attention or care in not mentioning something.

Forgot to mention

Highlights an unintentional oversight in not bringing something up.

Did not disclose

Focuses on the withholding of information, implying it might have been deliberate.

Left out

A simpler, more direct way of saying something was not included.

Overlooked

Implies that something was missed or not noticed.

Did not allude to

Indicates a complete absence of any indirect reference to something.

Avoided mentioning

Suggests a conscious effort to not bring something up.

Sidestepped the issue of

Implies an avoidance of a specific topic, usually due to its sensitivity.

Refrained from mentioning

Indicates a deliberate choice to keep silent about something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "failed to mention" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "omitted to mention", "neglected to mention", or "did not disclose". For instance, instead of saying "he "failed to mention" the risks", you could say "he omitted to mention the potential risks".

What is a less accusatory way to say someone "failed to mention" something?

To soften the tone, try "did not include", "did not bring up", or "did not address". These phrases are less direct and avoid implying intent. For example, replace "she "failed to mention" the deadline" with "she did not include the deadline in her summary".

Is it appropriate to use "failed to mention" in academic writing?

Yes, "failed to mention" is appropriate in academic writing when critically analyzing sources or arguments. However, ensure that your tone remains objective and avoid personal attacks. Provide evidence to support your claim that something was indeed omitted. For example, "The study "failed to mention" the limitations of the sample size".

How does "failed to mention" differ from "forgot to mention"?

"Failed to mention" implies a deliberate omission or oversight, while "forgot to mention" suggests an unintentional oversight. Use "forgot to mention" when it is clear that the person simply overlooked the information. For example, "I "failed to mention" the update because I wasn't aware of it yet, I "forgot to mention" the update because it slipped my mind".