fails to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where something does not provide sufficient clarification or understanding. Example: "The report fails to explain the reasons behind the sudden increase in sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

fails to explain its fourth use.

The New Yorker

It fails to explain, for example, knock-knock jokes.

The New Yorker

"Rational analysis fails to explain most of life's great decisions," he said.

The New York Times

He fails to explain how he slipped out of the country.

The Guardian

Still, this scenario fails to explain Trump's gushing public support for Putin.

The Guardian

But it fails to explain the ups and downs in the ONS figures, which are violent.

The Guardian - Business

What Volkov fails to explain fully is that this was no reprieve.

The New York Times - Books

Video of last week's shooting in Boston fails to explain why Usaama Rahim had to die.

The New Yorker

If our theory fails to explain their behaviour, it is our problem, not theirs.

The Economist

But he fails to explain how the UK leaving the EU will help us, or the wider continent.

The Guardian

Yet this, in turn, fails to explain Barack Obama's re-election or Enrico Letta's government in Italy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to explain", ensure that you clearly identify what is lacking explanation and why it is important. Provide context for the reader to understand the significance of the missing explanation.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "fails to explain" without specifying what aspects are left unexplained or why this lack of explanation is problematic. Always provide enough detail to make your critique meaningful and constructive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to explain" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of sufficient explanation or clarification. As indicated by Ludwig, it expresses that something does not adequately provide reasons, details, or understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

57%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fails to explain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating a lack of adequate explanation or clarification. According to Ludwig, it serves to critique or highlight deficiencies in explanations across varied contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content. While generally neutral in register, using it effectively requires specifying what aspects are lacking and why this lack of explanation is significant. Alternatives like "does not clarify" or "lacks explanation" offer similar meanings but may carry slightly different connotations. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fails to elucidate

This emphasizes a lack of clarity or making something understandable.

fails to provide reasons

The focus is on the lack of supporting logic.

does not clarify

This option is a direct and simple way of saying something is not made clear.

leaves unexplained

This alternative suggests that something remains without explanation.

omits to explain

This alternative focuses on the act of leaving out an explanation.

cannot account for

This indicates an inability to provide a satisfactory explanation or reason.

lacks explanation

This alternative focuses on the absence of an explanation.

provides no rationale

This emphasizes the lack of a logical basis or principle.

is unable to justify

This alternative focuses on the inability to defend or warrant something.

offers no justification

This highlights the absence of reasons or defense for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "fails to explain" to indicate that something does not provide a sufficient or clear explanation. For example, "The theory "fails to explain" the observed phenomenon."

What are some alternatives to "fails to explain"?

Some alternatives to "fails to explain" include "does not clarify", "lacks explanation", or "cannot account for".

Is it better to say "does not explain" or "fails to explain"?

Both "does not explain" and "fails to explain" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Fails to explain" can sometimes imply a stronger critique or expectation of explanation, while "does not explain" is more neutral.

What's the difference between "fails to explain" and "omits to explain"?

"Fails to explain" suggests an attempt at explanation that is inadequate, whereas "omits to explain" indicates that an explanation is entirely missing. Therefore, "omits to explain" focuses on what has been left out entirely.