failing to observe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failing to observe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is not adhering to rules, guidelines, or expectations. Example: "The committee expressed concern about the consequences of failing to observe safety protocols during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

There will be many commentators quick to criticise Marshall for failing to observe a simple and well-worn rule.

The Guardian - Sport

This argument, however, has been criticized as failing to observe the distinction between logical and ontological, or factual, necessity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The players, coaches and officials are all failing to observe the kind of protection sought by Collina, a former referee.

The New York Times - Sports

Under the action announced Tuesday, the commission is threatening to begin a so-called "infringement proceeding" against Britain for failing to observe EU privacy law.

The New York Times

The European commission said on Wednesday that Athens was failing to observe its obligations under the rules governing Europe's 26-country passport-free travel area, known as Schengen.

The Guardian

He complained that national governments were failing to observe agreements on asylum procedures, and warned that several countries could be sanctioned.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

We did not observe any participants failing to detect the train with the system failing.

Urban Rail Transit

Others, failing to find jobs, moved abroad.

The New York Times

In 2013, after a man with a history of physical and mental illness committed suicide at another Murrieta facility run by A Better Tomorrow, state licensing officials faulted the firm for failing to regularly observe him during detox, failing to refer him to a higher level of care and recording inaccurate information on death report documents, according to state records.

Los Angeles Times

The hourlong film he eventually made after a short visit to Sharjah last winter with his wife, their toddler son and a small crew ended up chronicling how he went to Sharjah and, with no idea what to film there, essentially made a film about failing repeatedly to observe the third prohibition.

The New York Times

In that study, the authors compared models developed for each proposed theory and were able to reject those failing to reproduce experimentally observed kinetics.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failing to observe", ensure the context clearly indicates what standard, rule, or guideline is not being followed. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "failing to observe" in overly general statements without specifying what is not being observed. Always provide context to make the statement meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failing to observe" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of not adhering to or noticing something, often carrying a negative connotation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failing to observe" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the act of not adhering to or noticing something. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, it serves to express disapproval or highlight a lack of adherence to rules and standards. For clarity, it's best to specify the standard or rule being violated. Alternatives include "neglecting to observe" or "not adhering to", offering subtle differences in meaning. Overall, understanding the nuances of "failing to observe" ensures its effective and precise use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglecting to observe

Emphasizes a lack of attention or care in observing something.

not adhering to

Focuses on the lack of compliance with a rule or standard.

disregarding

Implies a conscious decision to ignore something.

ignoring

Highlights a lack of attention, whether intentional or unintentional.

overlooking

Suggests a failure to notice something important.

not complying with

Specifically refers to a failure to follow rules or regulations.

violating

Indicates a direct breach of a rule or law.

contravening

A more formal term for violating or acting against something.

infringing upon

Suggests encroaching upon or violating a right or standard.

transgressing

A formal term indicating a violation of a moral or legal boundary.

FAQs

How can I use "failing to observe" in a sentence?

You can use "failing to observe" to describe a situation where someone does not adhere to a specific rule, guideline, or standard. For example, "The company was penalized for failing to observe safety regulations."

What are some alternatives to "failing to observe"?

Alternatives include "neglecting to observe", "not adhering to", or "disregarding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "failing to observe" grammatically correct?

Yes, "failing to observe" is grammatically correct. It uses a gerund phrase to describe the act of not observing something. Ludwig AI confirms this as well.

What is the difference between "failing to observe" and "neglecting to observe"?

"Failing to observe" generally implies a lack of adherence, while "neglecting to observe" suggests a lack of attention or care. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the lack of adherence or the lack of attention.