fails to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who does not grasp or comprehend a particular concept or situation. Example: "Despite the detailed explanation, he still fails to understand the basic principles of the theory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trump consistently fails to understand trade deficits.

The Washington Post

Not least, the Vatican still fails to understand.

The Economist

Watchdog fails to understand the nature of corruption.

The Guardian

The problem is not that either side fails to understand what the other wants.

The Economist

But searching for a simple, causal explanation fails to understand the nature of mental illness.

Independent

It is you who fails to understand that Congress's actions reflect those concerns.

The New York Times

He fails to understand the full extent of how out of date the law is.

The Guardian - Tech

Mary Gameson Norwich Like all newsprint jeremiahs, Brian Cathcart fails to understand the mechanics of reading.

The Guardian

"What he fails to understand is that the days of bossism are over.

The New York Times

This argument also fatally fails to understand the politics of this particular moment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trump fails to understand that North Korean code words don't mean what they seem to mean.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fails to understand" when you want to emphasize a lack of comprehension, especially in situations where understanding is expected or crucial. For instance, "The politician fails to understand the needs of the working class."

Common error

While "fails to understand" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very formal writing. In such cases, consider alternatives like "does not fully comprehend" or "lacks a complete understanding of" to maintain a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to understand" functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of comprehension or inability to grasp a concept. Ludwig AI indicates this is a grammatically correct phrase, commonly used in diverse contexts to denote a deficiency in understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fails to understand" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a lack of comprehension or inability to grasp a concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific discourse. While alternatives like "does not comprehend" or "is unable to grasp" exist, "fails to understand" emphasizes a deficiency. Remember to use it judiciously, especially in overly formal settings, and be mindful of the nuance it conveys compared to phrases like "refuses to understand", which implies a deliberate choice rather than an inability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not comprehend

Focuses on the lack of mental grasping of a concept.

is unable to grasp

Highlights an inability to seize or hold a concept mentally.

lacks the capacity to understand

Emphasizes a deficiency in the inherent ability to understand.

is oblivious to

Suggests a complete unawareness or lack of perception.

misinterprets

Indicates an incorrect understanding or interpretation.

is ignorant of

Highlights a lack of knowledge or information.

is blind to

Implies a willful or unintentional overlooking of something obvious.

misses the point

Focuses on failing to grasp the essential or relevant aspect.

is at sea about

Suggests a feeling of being lost or confused about something.

cannot make sense of

Highlights the inability to find meaning or coherence.

FAQs

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

You can use "fails to understand" to indicate a lack of comprehension, such as, "The student "fails to understand" the complex equation" or "The manager "fails to understand" the employees' concerns".

What are some alternatives to "fails to understand"?

Alternatives include "does not comprehend", "is unable to grasp", or "misinterprets", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Fails to understand" emphasizes a deficiency or inability, while "does not understand" is a more neutral statement of non-comprehension. The choice depends on the context and the intended emphasis. They are very similar, but nuance can be better expressed using the other "alternative".

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

"Fails to understand" suggests an inability to comprehend, while "refuses to understand" implies a deliberate unwillingness to acknowledge or accept something. The former is about capability, the latter about choice.