fails to adhere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to adhere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where someone or something does not follow rules, guidelines, or standards. Example: "The contractor fails to adhere to the safety regulations set forth by the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Intentional non-adherence is an active decision not to take medication as prescribed, whereas unintentional non-adherence is a passive process in which the patient fails to adhere to prescribing instructions due to forgetfulness, carelessness, or the complexity of a medication regimen.

BMJ Open

Will it sack every head who fails to adhere?

The Guardian

Such an approach plainly fails to adhere to the commands of the applicable statute.

Cornell University

But that doesn't mean I would refuse to date someone who fails to adhere to my style rules.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If that company fails to adhere to its annual target it must pay a financial penalty that would come straight out of its back pocket, not the consumer's".

The Guardian

In previous bailouts, the fund often begins distributing aid quickly, though it sometimes suspends a loan program if a client nation fails to adhere to its reform plan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Increasing one's awareness of the benefits of the medication is unlikely to improve adherence in patients who unintentionally fail to adhere to medication.

BMC Health Services Research

However, many clinicians fail to adhere to guidelines.

Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care

NF54 GIE fail to adhere to erythroid cells.

Nature

"There needs to be redress for victims if sentencers fail to adhere to guidelines.

The Guardian

Four participants failed to adhere to the imagery conditions, and their data was excluded from analysis.

Brain and Cognition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "fails to adhere" when you want to emphasize a deviation from a prescribed standard or regulation, particularly when discussing expectations and accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "fails to adhere" in casual or informal settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "doesn't follow" or "breaks the rules" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to adhere" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a subject's non-compliance with a set of rules, guidelines, or standards. Ludwig AI confirms this correct usage with examples from reliable sources across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fails to adhere" is a versatile expression used to describe a lack of compliance with rules, guidelines, or standards. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While "does not comply" offers a direct alternative, it's important to consider the level of formality and choose the most appropriate phrase for the specific context. Avoid overuse in informal settings, and always ensure that the object of adherence is clearly specified. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "fails to adhere" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not comply

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

does not follow

A more general term indicating a lack of adherence to instructions or guidelines.

is in non-compliance

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing a lack of adherence.

contravenes

A more formal term suggesting a direct violation of a rule or law.

violates

Indicates a more serious breach of rules or regulations.

disregards

Implies a conscious choice to ignore rules or guidelines.

neglects to follow

Suggests a careless or unintentional failure to adhere.

is remiss in following

Highlights a failure in duty or responsibility to adhere.

falls short of compliance

Indicates that the required standards have not been met.

is deficient in adherence

Emphasizes the inadequacy in following the rules or guidelines.

FAQs

What does "fails to adhere" mean?

The phrase "fails to adhere" means that someone or something does not follow or comply with a rule, guideline, standard or instruction.

What can I say instead of "fails to adhere"?

You can use alternatives like "does not comply", "does not follow", or "violates" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "fails to adhere"?

The phrase "fails to adhere" is relatively formal and suitable for professional, academic or news-related contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be preferable.

Is it better to say "failure to adhere" or "fails to adhere"?

"Failure to adhere" is a noun phrase, often used as a subject (e.g. "Failure to adhere to the rules will result in penalties"), while "fails to adhere" is a verb phrase, used to describe an action (e.g. "The company fails to adhere to the regulations"). The choice depends on the sentence structure.