failure to observe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to observe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to an act of not paying attention, not following instructions, or not abiding by a rule or law. For example: "The company was fined for its failure to observe safety regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Observers may intentionally or unintentionally falsely report the pattern of their observations due to concern over failure to observe the animal appropriately [unpublished observations].

Plosone

Although our failure to observe enrichment of the latter activities could be due to sensitivity limitations, these observations may indicate a novel mechanism for ATR activation.

Duke University

Failure to observe safety guidelines on the use of headgear is medico-legally indefensible.

Nature

Failure to observe such order may be punishable by the court as contempt thereof.

Cornell University

Failure to observe these rules may lead to a revocation of room reservation privileges.

Cornell University

I always feel that much human anguish arises from people's failure to observe the iron law that 1pm is lunchtime.

The Guardian - Travel

Failure to observe these rules of conduct will have serious academic consequences, up to and including dismissal from the university.

Columbia University

Failure to observe these rules of conduct will result in serious academic consequences, which can include dismissal from the university.

Columbia University

For a year and a half, he says, he was puzzled at his failure to observe the 24-stage life cycle reported by Dr. Burkholder.

The New York Times - Science

"They have now all signed up to it, but there is a question whether failure to observe that code of conduct should be subject to much tougher penalties".

The Guardian

The rules now in place -- which deal with such matters as training operators and providing sufficient backup power -- are advisory, and failure to observe them carries no penalty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, use "failure to observe" to denote a serious oversight or non-compliance, particularly when detailing consequences or responsibilities.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates what specific rule, guideline, or observation was not followed to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to observe" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject of a sentence or clause. It refers to the act or instance of not adhering to, noticing, or complying with something, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failure to observe" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the act of not following or adhering to a rule, guideline, or instruction. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating its versatility and importance in formal communication. While alternatives like "neglecting to comply" or "disregarding guidelines" exist, "failure to observe" provides a direct and often critical assessment of non-compliance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what specific rule or guideline was not followed to avoid ambiguity. Finally, Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase across varied writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglecting to comply

Focuses on non-compliance, highlighting a lack of adherence to rules or regulations.

disregarding guidelines

Emphasizes the act of ignoring established guidelines or recommendations.

ignoring regulations

Highlights the act of overlooking or not following established regulations.

overlooking requirements

Focuses on missing or not fulfilling necessary requirements.

not adhering to protocols

Highlights a lack of adherence to established protocols or procedures.

non-compliance with rules

Stresses a state of not being in accordance with established rules.

defying instructions

Emphasizes a deliberate act of disobeying or going against given instructions.

bypassing procedures

Focuses on skipping or going around established procedures.

deviating from standards

Highlights a departure from established standards or norms.

lacking vigilance

Emphasizes a failure to maintain alertness or careful attention.

FAQs

How can I use "failure to observe" in a sentence?

You can use "failure to observe" to describe a situation where someone does not follow a rule, guideline, or instruction. For example, "The accident was a direct result of the driver's "failure to observe" the speed limit."

What are some alternatives to "failure to observe"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "neglecting to comply", "disregarding guidelines", or "ignoring regulations" as alternatives to "failure to observe".

What is the difference between "failure to observe" and "refusal to observe"?

"Failure to observe" implies a neglect or unintentional oversight, while "refusal to observe" suggests a deliberate act of not following or adhering to something.

What are the consequences of "failure to observe" safety guidelines?

The consequences of "failure to observe" safety guidelines can range from minor penalties to severe repercussions, including injuries, legal liabilities, and financial losses.