fails to communicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to communicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where a message or intention is not effectively conveyed or understood. Example: "The report was so poorly written that it fails to communicate the key findings to the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Sadly, President Bush fails to communicate meaningfully with either.

The New York Times

Ms. Mulgrew, who acts up but does not act, fails to communicate the fire within.

The New York Times

But it often fails to communicate its full potential — or much of anything at all.

The Washington Post

A complicated multilayered network of suppliers sometimes fails to communicate and the manufacturer can lose control of the overall process.

The Economist

He fails to communicate any urgency, fails to make his enthusiasm contagious, fails to enlist the reader's complicity.

The New York Times - Books

The real problem with this exhibition is that it fails to communicate the sensationalism and excitement of Delacroix himself.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It became clear that risk communication restricted to conveying technical information will ultimately fail to communicate because it ignores the historic and social context of risks [ 5].

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Failing to communicate.

Harvard Business Review

But it totally failed to communicate them.

The Guardian - Tech

However, the police failed to communicate the position to Brittan.

Independent

And, once again, he failed to communicate effectively with Bragg.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to communicate", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not being effectively conveyed. Providing specific examples strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "the presentation fails to communicate". Instead, specify what aspects are unclear, such as "the presentation "fails to convey" the project's key benefits and potential risks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to communicate" functions as a verb phrase expressing an inability or ineffectiveness in conveying information, ideas, or feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fails to communicate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing instances where communication is ineffective. Ludwig AI confirms it to be correct. It's prevalent in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, be specific about what is not being communicated effectively to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "does not convey" or "is poorly communicated" can also be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to express. Be mindful of overusing the phrase without providing adequate detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is poorly communicated

Focuses on the quality of the communication process.

does not get across

Shifts the focus to the message not reaching the intended recipient.

is not conveyed

Emphasizes the lack of transmission of the message.

is misunderstood

Emphasizes that a misinterpretation occurred.

cannot articulate

Highlights the inability to express something clearly.

does not express

Indicates a lack of outward manifestation of thoughts or feelings.

is not understood

Focuses on the lack of comprehension by the receiver.

remains unsaid

Highlights that something was not verbally expressed.

misses the mark

Indicates the communication was ineffective and did not achieve its purpose.

is lost in translation

Points to misinterpretation or distortion of the message.

FAQs

How can I use "fails to communicate" in a sentence?

Use "fails to communicate" to describe instances where a message, idea, or feeling is not effectively conveyed or understood. For instance, "The report's complexity "fails to convey" the urgency of the situation."

What are some alternatives to "fails to communicate"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "does not convey", "is poorly communicated", or "does not get across" to express ineffective communication.

When is it appropriate to use "fails to communicate" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something has not been successfully transmitted or understood. Use it in situations where clarity and effective conveyance are crucial.

What is the difference between "fails to communicate" and "is not communicated"?

"Fails to communicate" implies an active failure in the communication process, while "is not communicated" simply states that communication did not occur, without necessarily implying a fault or failure. The nuance relies on whether you want to emphasize an active deficiency.