fails to reach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to reach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not achieved a certain level, goal, or standard. Example: "The project fails to reach the expected outcomes, leading to a reassessment of our strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms Oates fails to reach him before he dies.

The Economist

An occasional dish fails to reach these peaks.

The New York Times

JudComm tries the case throughout February, but fails to reach a decision.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By the government's own admission, most development spending fails to reach its intended recipients.

The Economist

Klein himself rarely fails to reach for the full significance of events.

The New Yorker

July 1991: Mr Henderson acquitted after a second jury fails to reach a verdict.

Independent

Finally, there is the possibility OPEC fails to reach an agreement altogether.

The New York Times

When he fails to reach that set standard, society perceives that there is something wrong".

The Guardian

(If any candidate fails to reach this threshold, the nominee is decided at a special convention).

The Economist

But beyond the technical imperfections, the game fails to reach its creative potential.

The New York Times - Tech

The security council discusses the situation in Lebanon but fails to reach a resolution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you wish to convey. "Fails to reach" can be neutral, but alternatives like "falls short" can suggest disappointment or criticism.

Common error

While "fails to reach" is acceptable, overuse in formal or scientific writing can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "does not attain" or "falls short of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to reach" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig examples showcase its use in indicating a deficiency or lack of achievement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fails to reach" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate a lack of attainment or achievement. As indicated by Ludwig, it is versatile enough to be used in various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business communications. Although the phrase is considered acceptable, using alternatives like "falls short of" or "does not attain" can help to avoid repetition in formal writing and add nuance to your expression. The phrase is predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not attain

Emphasizes a lack of achievement or accomplishment.

falls short of

Highlights the deficiency in meeting a standard or expectation.

does not achieve

Focuses on the absence of success in accomplishing something.

is unable to reach

Stresses the inability or incapacity to attain a specific target.

misses the mark

Implies a failure to accurately achieve a goal or target.

comes up short

Indicates a deficiency in effort or resources to achieve a result.

proves insufficient

Highlights the inadequacy of something to meet a requirement.

doesn't quite get there

Suggests a near miss, where the goal was almost attained but not quite.

is deficient in attaining

Emphasizes the lack or shortage of attainment.

lacks the capacity to attain

Highlights the absence of the capability to achieve a specific goal or standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "fails to reach" to indicate that something did not achieve a particular level, standard, or goal. For example: "The company's profit forecast "fails to reach" the target set at the beginning of the year."

What are some alternatives to "fails to reach"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "falls short of", "does not attain", or "is unable to reach".

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "fails to reach" may imply a stronger sense of inadequacy or shortcoming, while "does not reach" is more neutral. Your choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "fails to reach" and "falls short of"?

"Fails to reach" generally indicates a lack of attainment. "Falls short of" implies a specific standard or expectation that was not met. For example: "The project "fails to reach" its completion date" versus "The project falls short of the initial objectives".