fails to persuade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to persuade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing arguments, presentations, or any form of communication that does not successfully convince the audience. Example: "Despite the speaker's efforts, the presentation ultimately fails to persuade the audience of the proposed benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Prof. Michael Ignatieff's argument fails to persuade.

The New York Times

Kinko's fails to persuade us of this distinction.

Harvard University

But its central premise, no matter how often asserted, fails to persuade.

The New York Times - Books

There are useful insights in "Thermonuclear Monarchy" as well, but over all it fails to persuade.

The New York Times - Books

If this argument fails to persuade, Mr. Castañeda argues, there are other tools in the toolbox.

The New York Times

Even when it fails to persuade, however, Flannery's writing never fails to please.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The United States failed to persuade the W.T.O.

The New York Times

But such statements have failed to persuade investors.

The New York Times

He failed to persuade investors that this would work.

The Economist

But the company failed to persuade private investors.

The New York Times

We have tried, and failed, to persuade him to talk".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to persuade", ensure the context clearly indicates what is attempting to persuade and who the intended audience is. For example: "The evidence presented fails to persuade the jury."

Common error

Avoid assuming that if something "fails to persuade", it's solely due to the messenger's inadequacy. Consider external factors influencing the audience's receptiveness, such as pre-existing biases or conflicting information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to persuade" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to express the ineffectiveness of an argument, effort, or attempt to convince someone. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and commonly used. Examples in Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts such as political discourse, reviews, and personal interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fails to persuade" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating a lack of success in convincing someone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, this neutral-register phrase serves the purpose of reporting or assessing ineffective attempts at persuasion. When writing, be mindful of the context and audience when evaluating why something "fails to persuade". Consider using synonyms like "does not convince" or "is unconvincing" for variety. Remember that the failure to persuade can stem from various factors, not solely the persuader's shortcomings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not convince

Emphasizes a lack of convincing power or ability.

is unconvincing

Focuses on the quality of being not believable or persuasive.

does not sway

Highlights a lack of influence or ability to change someone's opinion.

is unable to influence

Stresses the inability to have an effect on someone's actions or decisions.

falls short of convincing

Implies an attempt at persuasion that ultimately does not succeed.

cannot convince

Expresses an incapability of persuading.

is not persuasive

Emphasizes the lack of persuasiveness in the argument or presentation.

does not impress

Highlights a lack of impact or positive effect on someone's judgment.

carries no weight

Indicates that the argument or evidence lacks significance or influence.

lacks the power to convince

Focuses on the deficiency in the capability to persuade effectively.

FAQs

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

You can use "fails to persuade" to indicate that an attempt to convince someone of something was unsuccessful. For example: "His argument, despite being well-researched, "fails to persuade" the committee."

What are some alternatives to "fails to persuade"?

Alternatives to "fails to persuade" include "does not convince", "is unconvincing", or "does not sway". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "fails to persuade" or "doesn't persuade"?

"Fails to persuade" is slightly more formal than "doesn't persuade". The former is often preferred in academic or professional writing, while the latter is more common in everyday conversation.

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

When something "fails to persuade", it means that it is not successful in convincing someone to believe or do something. The reasons for this failure can vary, from the weakness of the argument itself to the resistance of the audience.