fails to occur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to occur" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something that was expected or planned does not happen. Example: "The event fails to occur if the necessary conditions are not met."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

If embryonic methylation fails to occur, the embryo dies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then when the catastrophe fails to occur scientists get the blame.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the negotiating process fails to occur, the opportunity is lost forever.

Cornell University

It is not known why regeneration fails to occur in many cases, as in the legs of frogs or the limbs and tails of mammals.

Britannica

In the absence of btn gene function the initial commitment to the DM cell fate is made but differentiation fails to occur and the DM cells are lost.

Stanford University

Cramping usually fails to occur when the same muscles are employed in tasks not associated with the occupation, suggesting a psychological basis for the disorder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Why does capital formation often fail to occur in developing countries?

Princeton University

Specifically, the decondensation, disassembly and dispersion of the endoreplicated polytene chromosomes fail to occur without Mip120.

Stanford University

And you'll rarely see a headline about a bad event that failed to occur.

The Guardian

However, preeclampsia does not always clinically present when remodeling has failed to occur.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

In subsequent cycles, however, these phenomena failed to occur (LiPF6) or were weaker (LiClO4).

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to occur", ensure the context clearly establishes what was expected or intended to happen. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "fails to occur" can sometimes sound overly formal in casual contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "doesn't happen" or "doesn't take place" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to occur" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the non-performance or non-happening of an event or action. It expresses that something expected or intended did not take place. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

Encyclopedias

9%

News & Media

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fails to occur" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the non-happening of an expected event, according to Ludwig AI. It commonly appears in scientific, academic, and encyclopedic contexts. Its purpose is to negate an event, often implying a prior expectation. While versatile, it leans towards a formal register, which writers should consider in less formal communications. When aiming for clarity, ensure the context establishes what the expectation was. Alternatives include "does not happen" or "does not take place", which can offer simpler and more direct options in certain contexts. Overall, "fails to occur" serves as a useful tool for precise, objective reporting, particularly in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not happen

A more direct and common way to express that something does not take place.

does not take place

Similar to "does not happen", but often used for events or scheduled activities.

does not materialize

Suggests that something expected or planned did not become a reality.

does not come to pass

A more formal or literary way to say that something did not happen.

is prevented from happening

Emphasizes that an external force or circumstance stopped the event.

is averted

Implies that a negative event was successfully prevented.

is avoided

Suggests an intentional effort to prevent something from happening.

is obviated

To anticipate and prevent something.

falls through

Commonly used to describe plans or agreements that do not succeed.

is unrealized

Something planned or aimed to happen remains only a concept and is never put into action.

FAQs

What does "fails to occur" mean?

The phrase "fails to occur" means that something expected, intended, or predicted does not happen or come to pass. It indicates a lack of realization or fulfillment of an event or action.

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

You can use alternatives like "does not happen", "does not take place", or "does not materialize" depending on the context.

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

Both "does not occur" and "fails to occur" are grammatically correct, but "fails to occur" implies an expectation or requirement that something should happen but didn't. "Does not occur" is a more neutral statement of absence.

How do I use "fails to occur" in a sentence?

Use "fails to occur" to describe a situation where an anticipated event or process does not happen. For example, "If embryonic methylation "fails to occur", the embryo dies."