failed to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

"failed to understand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that someone did not comprehend something. For example: "He failed to understand the instructions and ended up making a mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I failed to understand the question.

Independent

Haven't we failed to understand Arab grievances?

The New York Times

Simple: We excluded people who failed to understand the instructions.

Yale University

But Hamilton failed to understand why.Hamilton's approach was purely abstract.

The Economist

Mr Morsi failed to understand that, and paid for it.

The Economist

But they failed to understand the ethos of the community.

The New York Times

They had failed to understand European solidarity, he said.

The Guardian

How had he failed to understand this right away?

The New Yorker

We failed to understand both lessons in Iraq.

The Washington Post

Failed to understand, why sustainability effort to be justified by business case again and again ?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On the other hand, companies have also failed to understand when to appropriately cease migration.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to understand", ensure the context clearly indicates what was not understood to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the concept, instruction, or situation that caused the misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to understand" when a simple misunderstanding occurred. Phrases like "misinterpreted" or "overlooked" may be more appropriate for minor comprehension issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to understand" functions as a verb phrase, typically part of a larger clause. It indicates a lack of comprehension or understanding on the part of a subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to understand" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a lack of comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase functions to communicate a gap in understanding, often explaining actions or conclusions. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly indicates what was not understood. Alternatives like "did not comprehend" or "misunderstood" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance. Common mistakes involve overstating the failure when a simple misunderstanding occurred. Ludwig provides numerous examples that demonstrate the phrase's usage and synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not comprehend

Emphasizes a lack of full understanding or grasp of something.

misunderstood

Highlights an incorrect interpretation or understanding.

did not grasp

Focuses on the inability to seize or take hold of an idea or concept.

missed the point

Indicates a failure to understand the central idea or significance of something.

was unable to fathom

Suggests a deeper level of incomprehension, implying difficulty in exploring or understanding something complex.

did not perceive

Focuses on a lack of awareness or recognition of something.

was lost on

Implies that something was too difficult or complex for someone to understand.

was oblivious to

Highlights a complete lack of awareness or understanding, often implying a negative consequence.

remained ignorant of

Emphasizes a state of unawareness or lack of knowledge about something.

did not appreciate

Highlights a lack of understanding of the value or importance of something.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "did not comprehend", "was unable to fathom", or "did not grasp" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "failed to understand" and "misunderstood"?

"Failed to understand" indicates a complete lack of comprehension, while "misunderstood" suggests an incorrect interpretation. The former is a broader term, while the latter is more specific.

Is it appropriate to use "failed to understand" in professional writing?

Yes, "failed to understand" is appropriate, but ensure the tone remains professional. In some cases, a more tactful phrasing, such as "did not fully appreciate" or "did not fully comprehend", may be preferable.

What are some common synonyms for "failed to understand"?

Common synonyms include "did not comprehend", "did not grasp", "misunderstood", and "missed the point". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.