failed to mimic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to mimic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that did not successfully replicate or imitate another thing. Example: "The new software failed to mimic the user interface of the original application, leading to confusion among users."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Yet connectionist models have failed to mimic even this worm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All the developed models with stage as a single input failed to mimic stage discharge relationship.

Applied Water Science

Plenty of apps have tried and failed to mimic what Uber does on the taxi side, but Arro told Crains it has a better chance due to a partnership with Creative Mobile Technologies, the technology provider that handles payments and entertainment on those little video screens in many of the cabs you see in NYC.

TechCrunch

Rapamycin failed to mimic the pro-apoptotic effect of PRAS40, suggesting that PRAS40 mediates apoptosis independently of its inhibitory effect on mTORC1.

Plosone

The finding that rapamycin failed to mimic the pro-apoptotic effect of PRAS40, suggests that PRAS40 mediates apoptosis independently of its inhibitory effect on mTORC1.

Plosone

This latter effect was not due to hyperosmolarity, since L-glucose failed to mimic the potentiating effect of D-glucose (Figures 5A-5D).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

No: what's devastating is how gallantly Banville tries and how comprehensively he fails to mimic James's style.

The New Yorker

But the government-led program fails to mimic the way manufacturers of goods in real markets mothball capacity in a downturn, trimming supply in line with demand, thus limiting price falls.

The New York Times

In addition, more often than not, these animal models fail to mimic human sepsis [101, 102].

Annals of Intensive Care

Over the last year or so, we've seen countless startups try (and usually fail) to mimic Groupon's stunning growth.

TechCrunch

Two-dimensional (2D) cultures often fail to mimic key architectural and physical features of the tumor microenvironment.

Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failed to mimic" when you specifically want to highlight the unsuccessful attempt to replicate or imitate something, rather than a general failure.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to mimic" when "failed to simulate" is more appropriate. "Mimic" implies a direct imitation of appearance or behavior, while "simulate" suggests creating a functional model, not necessarily an exact copy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to mimic" functions as a verb phrase expressing the inability or lack of success in imitating or replicating something. As Ludwig highlights, its use is prevalent in contexts where attempts at replication or simulation are being evaluated. The phrase describes the outcome of an unsuccessful attempt to create a copy or similar version.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to mimic" is a verb phrase used to describe an unsuccessful attempt to imitate or replicate something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While several alternatives exist, such as "did not replicate" or "did not emulate", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. A common error is confusing "mimic" with "simulate", where "mimic" implies direct imitation, and "simulate" suggests creating a functional model. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject and object are clearly defined for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not replicate

Focuses on the lack of exact reproduction.

did not emulate

Emphasizes the lack of successful imitation, often with an aspirational element.

did not reproduce

Highlights the absence of replication or reproduction of results/behavior.

could not replicate

Indicates an inability to achieve the same outcome.

did not simulate

Highlights the inability to create a functional model.

could not emulate

Emphasizes the inability to successfully imitate or match.

did not mirror

Stresses the lack of a direct reflection or correspondence.

did not duplicate

Focuses on the absence of an exact copy.

proved unable to mimic

Formal way to describe lack of ability to copy something.

fell short of mimicking

Implies an attempt was made but the desired level of imitation was not reached.

FAQs

What does "failed to mimic" mean?

The phrase "failed to mimic" means that something or someone was unable to successfully imitate or replicate something else. It indicates an unsuccessful attempt to create a copy or similar version of something.

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

You can use "failed to mimic" to describe a situation where an attempt at imitation was unsuccessful. For example: "The new model "failed to mimic" the performance of the original machine."

What are some alternatives to "failed to mimic"?

Alternatives to "failed to mimic" include "did not replicate", "did not emulate", or "did not simulate". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "failed to mimic" or "failed to replicate"?

Both "failed to mimic" and "failed to replicate" are grammatically correct. "Failed to mimic" emphasizes imitation, while "failed to replicate" emphasizes exact reproduction. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context of your sentence.