failed to penetrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to penetrate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something did not succeed in making an impact or getting through, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The security measures were so robust that the hacker's attempts to breach the system ultimately failed to penetrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In M. grisea Nox1 and Nox2 mutants formed normal looking appressoria but failed to penetrate the host, suggesting a role for Nox-derived ROS in penetration peg formation [ 61].

BMC Genomics

The Guardian poll merely highlights a belief that the warning has simply failed to penetrate.

The Guardian

However, critics have said that the resolution has failed to penetrate beyond surface level.

The Guardian

They failed to penetrate the Jets' biggest weakness: that inept secondary.

The Guardian - Sport

They too failed to penetrate it, and England lost interest in searching for the Northeast Passage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Pacquiao's corner his whispering confidante Freddie Roach dismally failed to penetrate beyond the boxer's vacant look.

Independent

But it has failed to penetrate fully the vast rural areas, where antipollution laws are often blithely ignored by local enterprises.

The New York Times

City hogged possession for the remainder of the first half but failed to penetrate Leicester's defence and remained naively exposed to counterattacks.

The Guardian - Sport

And it has needed a Law Lord, with all his authority and detachment, to open up the murky areas of government which MPs have failed to penetrate.

The Guardian

Though unsuccessful, the approach made sense because most human tumors contain inner dead zones that blood vessels have failed to penetrate.

The New York Times - Science

But their game was riddled with errors as they passed balls into touch, failed to penetrate with their rolling maul and spilled the ball deep in Italian territory.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to penetrate", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject was trying to enter or affect, and why it's notable that it didn't succeed.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to penetrate" in overly simplistic or mundane situations; it's most effective when describing significant barriers or resistances, either literal or figurative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to penetrate" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating the inability of something to enter, breach, or permeate another entity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Examples show its usage across various contexts from physical barriers to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to penetrate" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the inability to break through, enter, or influence something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia entries. While generally neutral to formal in register, its frequency and contextual adaptability make it a valuable addition to both professional and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in defining what was attempting to penetrate what, and avoid overuse in mundane scenarios. Consider alternatives like "did not permeate" or "was unable to breach" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not break through

This alternative highlights the failure to overcome an obstacle or resistance.

was unable to breach

This alternative emphasizes the inability to overcome a barrier or defense.

was unsuccessful in entering

This alternative provides a more formal and explicit way of stating the failure to enter.

did not permeate

This alternative focuses on the lack of thorough diffusion or spread.

did not get through

This alternative suggests a failure to communicate or reach a destination.

could not access

This alternative focuses on the inability to gain entry or obtain something.

did not reach

This alternative indicates a failure to attain a specific level or target.

did not influence

This alternative focuses specifically on the lack of persuasive effect.

did not impact

This alternative highlights the lack of a significant effect or consequence.

did not affect

This alternative emphasizes the lack of influence or impact.

FAQs

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

Use "failed to penetrate" to describe instances where something was unable to break through, enter, or affect something else. For example, "The marketing campaign "failed to penetrate" the younger demographic."

What are some alternatives to "failed to penetrate"?

Alternatives include "did not permeate", "was unable to breach", or "did not break through", depending on the specific context.

Is "failed to penetrate" formal or informal?

"Failed to penetrate" is suitable for both neutral and formal contexts, often used in news, scientific reports, and academic writing. In very informal settings, simpler phrases might be preferred.

What's the difference between "failed to penetrate" and "did not affect"?

"Failed to penetrate" implies a barrier or resistance that prevented entry or influence, while "did not affect" simply means there was no impact. Penetration suggests a more forceful attempt at entry.