failed to surrender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to surrender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone did not give up or yield, often in legal or military situations. Example: "The suspect failed to surrender to the authorities despite multiple warnings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The rebels threatened a bloodbath for soldiers who failed to surrender by today.

The New York Times

But Mr Assange failed to surrender to custody for removal to Sweden on 29 June 2012, instead seeking refuge at he Ecuadorian Embassy.

Independent

A few years ago a number of Japanese soldiers who failed to surrender at the end of World War II, were found on Guam, & returned home.

The New Yorker

The prosecutor in court at a hearing on 12 October at Highbury Corner magistrates court objected to court bail after Nandap failed to surrender to police bail.

The Guardian

Ingram Sr. was free on bail when he failed to surrender in December 2008 to begin a prison term of seven years eight months for money laundering and bank fraud.

The New York Times

Mr Lavrov said that military force, under Chapter Seven of the UN charter, might be possible if Syria failed to surrender its chemical arsenal – but only after a second security council vote.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Still, American commanders insisted that they were ready to press ahead if Mr. Sadr fails to surrender.

The New York Times

It is only a criminal offence if the suspect fails to surrender on the scheduled date the bail expires.

The Guardian

Failing to surrender for removal to Sweden in 2012 after seeking refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy means he is subject to arrest by the Metropolitan Police.

Independent

Mrs Lindfield said he should not be granted bail because there was a risk he would fail to surrender and also for his own protection.

Independent

If they fail to surrender, authorities say they will seek extradition.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to surrender" in legal contexts, ensure clarity by specifying to whom or what the surrender was expected, as in "failed to surrender to authorities".

Common error

Avoid using "failed to surrender" in casual conversation. It's more appropriate for formal or serious situations involving legal, military, or high-stakes scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to surrender" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes an action that was not completed, specifically the act of surrendering. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failed to surrender" is a grammatically correct and relatively common verb phrase used to describe a lack of submission or compliance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for formal contexts, particularly in news reports and legal settings. While alternatives like "refused to surrender" and "did not yield" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. It's essential to consider the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refused to surrender

Focuses on the act of refusing, implying a conscious decision against surrendering.

did not yield

Emphasizes a lack of yielding or giving in, often in a more general sense.

refused to submit

Highlights the refusal to comply with authority or expectations.

did not capitulate

Indicates a firm resistance to surrendering, often in a conflict or negotiation.

declined to give in

Focuses on resisting pressure and refusing to concede.

resisted capture

Specifically relates to avoiding being captured, often by military forces or law enforcement.

evaded arrest

Focuses on avoiding arrest, often by fleeing or concealing oneself.

defied authority

Emphasizes the act of opposing or disobeying authority figures.

remained defiant

Highlights a state of continued resistance and unwillingness to submit.

held out

Indicates a continued resistance, usually implying enduring hardship or pressure.

FAQs

What does "failed to surrender" mean?

The phrase "failed to surrender" means that someone did not give themselves up, either to an opposing force, authorities, or to an expected obligation. It implies a lack of compliance or submission.

What can I say instead of "failed to surrender"?

You can use alternatives like "refused to surrender", "did not yield", or "refused to submit" depending on the context.

Is "failed to surrender" formal or informal?

"Failed to surrender" is generally considered a formal phrase, typically used in news reports, legal documents, or military contexts. It is less common in everyday conversation.

How to use "failed to surrender" in a sentence?

You can use "failed to surrender" in a sentence like: "The suspect "failed to surrender" to the police after the chase" or "The city "failed to surrender" despite the overwhelming odds".