fails to respond

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to respond" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something does not reply or react as expected. Example: "The customer service team fails to respond to inquiries in a timely manner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If a contractor fails to respond to an appearance ticket, the department can revoke his license.

The New York Times

A heart that fails to respond to the beauty of thoroughbreds, then, probably deserves our suspicion.

The New York Times - Books

Nobody should be surprised when the institution fails to respond well.

The Economist

But while Ms. Heche is beaming light rays directly into Mr. Baldwin's forehead, he generally fails to respond in kind.

The New York Times

For the worst-affected, whose blood oxygen level fails to respond to ventilation, Ecmo is the only option.

Independent

"We only proceed to take formal steps if a service provider fails to respond appropriately to this initial contact.

Independent

If the operator fails to respond appropriately, after a short interval the train brakes are applied automatically.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Where the criminal justice system fails to respond vigorously to violent injury and death," she writes, "homicide becomes endemic".

Independent

"Our evidence shows that the present [welfare] system is cumbersome, complicated and fails to respond effectively," the report says.

Independent

Meanwhile, as the government fails to respond to calls for action, anti-choice protesters are becoming louder and more active in the UK.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When the rooster finally fails to respond, it's counted out, and Mr. Stewart carries his limp fowl back to its cage.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose a synonym for "fails to respond" to vary your writing and prevent redundancy, especially in longer texts.

Common error

Avoid using "fails to respond" when a more specific term is appropriate. For example, instead of saying a computer "fails to respond", consider saying it "crashes", "freezes", or "disconnects" to provide more precise information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to respond" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a lack of reaction or reply. It describes a situation where a person, system, or object does not provide an expected or required response. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fails to respond" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a lack of reaction or reply. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. When using the phrase, consider the specific context and choose synonyms to improve clarity and avoid repetition. Remember to be precise about what is not responding and why. With a high frequency of use and clear meaning, "fails to respond" remains a reliable choice for conveying the absence of a response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not reply

Replaces "fails" with "does not", offering a more direct and slightly less formal alternative.

is unresponsive to

A more formal way of saying someone or something doesn't react.

remains unresponsive

Focuses on the state of being unresponsive, implying a continuous lack of reaction.

does not acknowledge

Emphasizes the lack of recognition or acceptance, rather than just a lack of reply.

ignores the message

Highlights the act of deliberately disregarding communication.

neglects to answer

Suggests a lack of attention or responsibility in providing a response.

omits to reply

Focuses on the action of not replying and it's a more formal way.

offers no reaction

Shifts the focus to the absence of any visible or discernible response.

provides no feedback

Specifically denotes a lack of evaluative or corrective information.

gives no indication

Highlights the absence of any sign or signal of a response.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "does not reply", "remains unresponsive", or "does not acknowledge" depending on the context.

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

Use "fails to respond" to indicate a lack of reaction or reply. For example: "If the system fails to respond within five seconds, restart it."

Is it better to say "fail to respond" or "fails to respond"?

"Fails to respond" is grammatically correct when referring to a singular subject in the third person. "Fail to respond" is used for plural subjects or in other tenses.

What's the difference between "fails to respond" and "refuses to respond"?

"Fails to respond" indicates an inability or lack of response, while "refuses to respond" implies a deliberate choice not to answer or react.