fails to see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to see" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is unable to understand or recognize something. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, she still fails to see the flaws in her argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Appeal to logic and he fails to see your point".

The Guardian

Gaston fails to see the fictional possibilities in this Snopesian mire.

The New York Times - Books

Again and again, Gubar fails to see her evidence in its proper context.

The New Yorker

If it fails to see the markings, it simply remains dormant.

The New York Times

The rest of the world fails to see the developments in their true light.

The New York Times

However, he fails to see the true value of these tests in practice.

The New Yorker

A sweet thought - until that human face fails to see, say, an obvious handball.

The Guardian - Sport

The Borussia Mönchengladbach left-back fails to see eye to eye with coach Erik Hamren.

The Guardian - Sport

One might say that the painter rarely fails to see both sides.

The Guardian - Arts

And it's not surprising that, having managed it so beautifully, he fails to see its limits.

The New York Times - Books

But it's a blind eye that fails to see the profound dangers we face.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to see", ensure the subject's inability to understand is clearly linked to a specific cause or circumstance for greater clarity. For example, "He fails to see the connection between his actions and their consequences."

Common error

Avoid using "fails to see" in situations where simple observation would suffice. For example, instead of "He fails to see the car in front of him", use "He doesn't see the car in front of him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to see" functions as a verb phrase that expresses a lack of understanding, recognition, or awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fails to see" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate a lack of understanding or recognition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While alternatives like "is blind to" or "does not recognize" exist, "fails to see" provides a balanced and widely accepted way to express a deficiency in perception. Remember to use it thoughtfully, ensuring the context clearly explains why the subject's understanding is lacking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is blind to

Emphasizes a complete lack of awareness or understanding; stronger than "fails to see".

does not recognize

Focuses on a lack of acknowledgment or recognition of something's importance or existence.

is unable to perceive

Highlights a cognitive inability to understand or notice something.

overlooks

Suggests a neglect or failure to notice something, often due to carelessness or inattention.

misses the point

Indicates a failure to understand the central or most important aspect of something.

does not grasp

Emphasizes a lack of intellectual understanding or comprehension.

is oblivious to

Implies a lack of awareness, often suggesting a lack of concern or interest.

is ignorant of

Highlights a lack of knowledge or information about something.

neglects to consider

Focuses on a failure to take something into account, implying a lack of thoroughness.

turns a blind eye to

Implies a deliberate choice to ignore something, often something negative or problematic.

FAQs

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

Use "fails to see" to indicate a lack of understanding or recognition, as in "The analyst "fails to see" the long-term implications of the policy changes."

What are some alternatives to "fails to see"?

Alternatives include "is blind to", "does not recognize", or "overlooks", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fails to see" formal or informal?

"Fails to see" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific tone depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

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

"Fails to see" implies a genuine lack of understanding or inability to perceive, while "refuses to see" suggests a deliberate choice to ignore or deny something. "Refuses to see" implies a stronger degree of intentionality than ""fails to see"".