fails to match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something does not correspond or align with another thing, such as expectations, standards, or criteria. Example: "The results of the experiment fails to match the initial hypothesis, leading us to reconsider our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Otherwise, though, Morris's writing fails to match his ambition.

The New York Times - Books

Otherwise, though, Morris's writing fails to match his ambition.

The New York Times - Books

In war, there's always a stage when the rhetoric fails to match the reality.

Independent

He also published fiction; but, despite its flashes of brilliance, it fails to match his poetry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Elgort fails to match Woodley but is "charming enough" in his leading role.

Independent

That's an improvement, but still fails to match inflation (which came in at 2.2% yesterday).

The Guardian - Business

But even Oldham fails to match up to Co-operatives UK's criteria.

The Guardian

But these side-effects can become intolerable if political freedom fails to match economic liberties.

The Guardian

The turns cease when one team fails to match the other's score.

The New York Times - Sports

Her husband, she said, fails to match her moves — a sentiment echoed among the praise posted on Twitter.

The New York Times

Another way that Rooney fails to match her on-screen alter-ego is with her taste in music.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to match", ensure that the two elements being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what standard or expectation is not being met.

Common error

Avoid using "fails to match" without explicitly stating what is being compared. For instance, instead of saying 'The performance fails to match', clarify with 'The performance fails to match expectations'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to match" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It signifies a lack of correspondence or agreement between two elements. Ludwig examples showcase this across various contexts, confirming its role in expressing discrepancies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fails to match" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a lack of correspondence or agreement between two things. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. Its function is primarily to highlight discrepancies or unmet expectations. While generally neutral in register, it appears more often in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When using "fails to match", clarity is key, ensuring that the elements being compared are well-defined. Alternatives such as "does not align with" or "is inconsistent with" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not align with

Indicates a lack of perfect correspondence or agreement.

does not correspond to

Emphasizes a lack of direct equivalence or matching.

is inconsistent with

Highlights a contradiction or lack of harmony.

falls short of

Suggests a failure to reach a certain standard or expectation.

does not measure up to

Implies a comparison where one thing is inferior to another.

is not on par with

Indicates an inequality in quality or level.

is at odds with

Highlights a conflict or opposition.

deviates from

Indicates a departure from an expected path or standard.

is not in accordance with

Formally expresses a lack of compliance or agreement.

proves unequal to

Highlights inability to meet a challenge or standard.

FAQs

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

Use "fails to match" to indicate a lack of correspondence or agreement between two things. For example: "The actual outcome "fails to match" our initial predictions."

What are some alternatives to "fails to match"?

Alternatives include "does not align with", "does not correspond to", or "is inconsistent with". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

"Fails to match" and "does not match" are largely interchangeable. "Fails to match" might slightly emphasize a shortcoming or deficiency, but the difference is subtle. Using "does not match" is safe if you want to remove the negative sense.

What's the difference between "fails to match" and "does not live up to"?

"Fails to match" indicates a lack of correspondence or agreement, while "does not live up to" implies a failure to meet expectations or standards. For example: 'The product "fails to match" the advertised specifications', versus 'The product "does not live up to" its hype'.