fails to connect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to connect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something does not establish a relationship or link, whether it be in communication, technology, or personal interactions. Example: "The new software update fails to connect with the existing system, causing compatibility issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that spells long-term trouble for any party that fails to connect with minority voters.

The Economist

Boka teases it towards the penalty area, but Drogba fails to connect.

The Guardian - Sport

Novakovic gets the jump on DeMerit but just fails to connect.

The Guardian - Sport

16 min: Podolski throws his leg at a diagonal cross but fails to connect.

The Guardian - Sport

But Ivanovic fails to connect, and the ball flies out for a throw on the other side.

The Guardian - Sport

10.55am BST Taekwondo Negmatov seems to hurt his back a bit with a reverse turning kick that fails to connect.

The Guardian - Sport

Something about her emotionally frantic world – its archness, its paradoxical want of feeling – fails to connect with 21st-century readers.

The Guardian - Books

It is when Ms. Monheit fails to connect with her material that her limitations begin to irritate.

The New York Times - Arts

It is when she fails to connect with her material that her limitations -- pointless vocal embellishments, schoolgirlish patter -- irritate.

The New York Times

If the compact Audi A3 hatchback fails to connect with Americans, it won't be for lack of entertainment value.

The New York Times

But the effort is wasted if the company fails to connect with the audience at the visceral level when the curtain rises each night.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to connect", ensure the context clearly defines what is not being connected. For example, "The product launch fails to connect with the target audience because the messaging is too generic."

Common error

Avoid using "fails to connect" without specifying the entities that are not connecting. For instance, instead of saying "The presentation fails to connect", clarify by stating, "The presentation fails to connect with the core business objectives."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to connect" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a lack of successful linking or communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous examples, demonstrating its role in describing unsuccessful attempts to establish a connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Sport

15%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fails to connect" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the absence of a successful connection or relationship between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, sports, and technology. When using "fails to connect", it's important to specify the entities involved to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like ""is unable to link"" and ""does not establish a connection"" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to adjust the verb conjugation based on the subject to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unable to link

Emphasizes the inability to form a connection.

does not establish a connection

Focuses on the absence of an established connection.

is unsuccessful in linking

Highlights the lack of success in making a connection.

cannot form a link

Indicates an inability to create a bond or association.

is incapable of connecting

Stresses the inherent inability to connect.

doesn't manage to link

Suggests a failure to successfully create a connection.

is deficient in linking

Points out a lack of ability in making a connection.

lacks the capacity to connect

Focuses on the absence of the necessary capacity.

is deficient in associating

Highlights a lack of ability in forming association.

does not integrate

Emphasizes the absence of integration or combination.

FAQs

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

You can use "fails to connect" to describe a lack of connection between two or more things. For example: "The new marketing campaign "fails to connect" with younger audiences".

What are some alternatives to "fails to connect"?

Some alternatives include "is unable to link", "does not establish a connection", or "is unsuccessful in linking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "fails to connect" or "fail to connect"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the subject. "Fails to connect" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "The software fails to connect"), while "fail to connect" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "The applications fail to connect").

What does it mean when something "fails to connect"?

When something "fails to connect", it means that it does not establish a relationship or link with something else. This can refer to communication, technology, or personal interactions. For instance, if a political message "fails to connect" with voters, it means the voters do not relate to or agree with the message.