failed to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone did not read something that was expected or required. Example: "He failed to read the instructions before starting the project, which led to several mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He bought — but failed to read — biographies, histories, pop science.

The New Yorker

I tried and failed to read a book of his called "Man in the Holocene".

The New Yorker

And though Ayew missed with two headers, Inter still failed to read the signs.

The New York Times - Sports

Many failed to read the signs and to stop him while they still could.

The Economist

Professor Kronstadt evidently failed to read that far in my book.

The New Yorker

"The party failed to read the changing tide in Japanese politics".

The New York Times

We would be utter morons if we failed to read the mood of the country.

The Guardian

HEAVEN forfend that you have failed to read the new edition of The Economist in its entirety.

The Economist

If he was, he must then explain why he apparently failed to read his own ministerial papers.

The Guardian

Her pieces could be shrill and polemical, and even those who agreed with her often failed to read them.

The New Yorker

In 1939, Wodehouse was living in France, a tax exile, and utterly failed to read the signals.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to read", ensure the context clearly indicates what should have been read and the consequences of not doing so. For example: "The student failed to read the assignment guidelines, resulting in a lower grade."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "failed to read". While it can lead to negative outcomes, ensure the severity is proportional to the situation. Saying "He failed to read the memo, causing a global crisis" is likely an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to read" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of action or inability to engage with written material. It often implies a missed opportunity, oversight, or negative consequence as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failed to read" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone did not read something they were expected to, often implying a negative consequence. Ludwig's examples confirm its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context and ensure the consequence isn't overstated. Alternatives like "didn't read" or "overlooked" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't read

A straightforward substitution, indicating the act of reading did not occur.

overlooked

Focuses on missing the information, implying a lack of attention rather than an inability.

neglected to read

Emphasizes a sense of duty or obligation being unmet.

didn't comprehend

Shifts the focus from the act of reading to the lack of understanding.

failed to understand

Emphasizes lack of comprehension of text.

misunderstood

Indicates a wrong interpretation, going beyond simply not reading.

missed the point

Highlights a failure to grasp the essential meaning, regardless of reading.

ignored the information

Highlights a deliberate choice to disregard relevant information.

was unable to decipher

Indicates difficulty in understanding something complex.

didn't pay attention to

Focuses on a lack of focus or awareness.

FAQs

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

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "neglected to read" or "omitted reading" to convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "didn't read" and "failed to read"?

"Didn't read" is a simple statement of fact, while "failed to read" implies an expectation or requirement that was not met. "Failed to read" suggests a negative consequence or missed opportunity due to not reading something.

When is it appropriate to use "failed to read"?

Use "failed to read" when someone was expected or required to read something, and their not doing so had a specific impact. For example, "The technician failed to read the safety manual, resulting in an accident."

What are some less direct ways to say someone "failed to read"?

Instead of directly stating someone "failed to read", you could say they "overlooked" the information, "missed the details", or "was unaware of" the instructions, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.