failed to receive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'failed to receive' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that was not successfully attained or obtained. For example: The department failed to receive the necessary funding for the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Receiver Cris Carter and the former N.F.L. commissioner Paul Tagliabue also failed to receive enough votes.

The New York Times - Sports

How many residents failed to receive needed medication?

The New York Times

The only entree that failed to receive high marks was the half chicken, billed as crispy.

The New York Times

Both times he failed to receive support from the local Republican Party.

The New York Times

But when investors failed to receive income payments this year, Keydata Investment Services went into administration.

The Guardian - Money

Another night, one person failed to receive the strawberry shortcake she ordered.

The New York Times

Yet maternal health has failed to receive the attention it deserves.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, fans were aggrieved when Isaac failed to receive a best actor nomination.

The Guardian - Film

Few failed to receive his message: It can be fun to work at the Times.

The New Yorker

Mr. Curry has raised about $13,000, but has also failed to receive any matching funds.

The New York Times

Perennial winners that failed to receive top nominations this year included aging shows like NBC's "E.R".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failed to receive" when you want to clearly state that something expected or intended was not obtained. It's suitable for formal writing and clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to receive" excessively in passive constructions. While grammatically correct, overuse can make writing sound weak. Instead, consider active constructions to strengthen your message: Instead of 'The application failed to receive approval', try 'The committee rejected the application'.

Linguistic Context

"Failed to receive" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a lack of attainment or acquisition. It's used to express that someone or something did not get something expected or desired, as confirmed by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to receive" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that effectively communicates a lack of attainment or acquisition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. Its primary function is to convey that something expected or intended was not obtained, suitable for diverse contexts ranging from News & Media to Science. While versatile, writers should be mindful of passive voice overuse. Alternatives like "did not get" or "was denied" can offer more direct or nuanced expressions. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ "failed to receive" and its related phrases for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not get

Replaces "failed to receive" with a simpler, more direct expression of not obtaining something.

did not obtain

Similar to "failed to receive" but emphasizes the act of obtaining or acquiring something.

did not acquire

Focuses on the lack of acquisition, suggesting a more formal or deliberate process.

was denied

Highlights the act of being refused or rejected, rather than a simple failure to receive.

did not secure

Emphasizes the lack of success in making something certain or safe, often in a competitive context.

missed out on

Suggests a lost opportunity or benefit, with a more informal tone.

was unsuccessful in getting

A more verbose alternative that stresses the lack of success in obtaining something.

fell short of receiving

Implies an attempt to receive something that ultimately wasn't achieved.

was deprived of

Suggests that someone was unfairly or unjustly prevented from receiving something.

went without

Focuses on the experience of lacking something, often due to circumstances or necessity.

FAQs

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

You can use "failed to receive" to indicate that something was not obtained or delivered. For example, "The package "failed to receive" proper handling during transit" or "The candidate "failed to receive" enough votes to win the election".

What are some alternatives to "failed to receive"?

Alternatives include phrases like "did not get", "did not obtain", "was denied", or "did not secure". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "failed to receive" or "did not receive"?

Both "failed to receive" and "did not receive" are grammatically correct. "Failed to receive" often implies a stronger sense of expectation or obligation, while "did not receive" is more neutral. Use ""failed to receive"" when there's a reason to expect that something should have been received.

What does "failed to receive international clearance" mean?

In sports, particularly soccer, "failed to receive international clearance" means that a player is ineligible to play for a team in another country because the necessary paperwork and approvals from the sport's governing bodies were not completed or granted.