failed to realise

USAGE SUMMARY

"failed to realise" is correct and very usable in written English.
One example of its usage might be: "She failed to realise the consequences of her actions until it was too late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Latin America, on the other hand, has largely failed to realise the potential of favourable demographics.

The Economist

In a very Italian way, it has manifestly failed to realise its full potential.

The Economist

What the writer failed to realise was the relationship between the medium and message.

The Guardian - Books

He looked so stunning that many people failed to realise he was a man.

The Guardian

They also failed to realise that the horse was owned by a syndicate and not just the Aga Khan.

Independent

The reserved but articulate teacher failed to realise that the liberation movement picked him to provide a respectable image.

The Economist

But many failed to realise this and so it didn't reach as many MPs as it should have done.

Independent

The commissioner is a right step but will you not admit what your predecessor failed to realise.

The Guardian

She failed to realise that the studio wasn't even equipped with a bleeper, let alone quick enough to use one.

The Guardian

She notoriously failed to realise her designs for the Cardiff Bay opera house, despite twice winning competitions to do so.

The Guardian - Arts

In their shock at the result, they failed to realise how integral their insensitivity is to the problem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failed to realise" to express a lack of awareness, understanding, or achievement. Ensure the context clearly indicates what was not understood or achieved.

Common error

Be aware that "realise" is the British English spelling, while "realize" is preferred in American English. Using the incorrect spelling might distract readers or undermine your credibility, depending on your target audience. Choose "realize" or "realise" consistently throughout your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to realise" functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of understanding, awareness, or achievement. It indicates that someone or something did not come to a particular understanding or recognize a certain fact. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is used in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failed to realise" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of understanding, awareness, or achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While "realise" is the British English spelling, "realize" is acceptable in American English. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, as alternative phrases like "failed to understand" or "failed to recognize" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to understand

Emphasizes a lack of comprehension.

failed to comprehend

Stresses a lack of complete understanding.

failed to grasp

Highlights a lack of intellectual understanding or command.

failed to see

Implies a lack of foresight or understanding of implications.

failed to perceive

Focuses on a lack of sensory or intellectual awareness.

failed to recognize

Highlights a lack of acknowledgment or identification.

failed to anticipate

Emphasizes a lack of foreseeing or predicting.

failed to discern

Focuses on a lack of ability to distinguish or differentiate.

failed to acknowledge

Indicates a lack of acceptance or admission.

failed to appreciate

Indicates a lack of valuing or gratitude.

FAQs

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

You can use "failed to realise" to indicate a lack of understanding or awareness. For example: "She "failed to realise" the danger of the situation."

What are some alternatives to "failed to realise"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "failed to understand", "failed to recognize", or "failed to appreciate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "failed to realized" instead of "failed to realise"?

No, the correct form is "failed to realise" (or "failed to realize" in American English). "Failed" requires the base form of the verb, so "realise" is correct.

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

"Failed to realise" implies a missed opportunity or a negative consequence due to the lack of understanding, whereas "did not realise" is a more neutral statement of fact. For instance, saying someone ""failed to realise"" something suggests they should have known or that there were negative repercussions for not knowing.