failure to reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has not responded to a request or communication. Example: "Due to the failure to reply to our previous emails, we have decided to move forward with another candidate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Abandoned to his estate in Norfolk, Merivel is tormented by the thought that his monarch's failure to reply to any letter is "a deliberate act of forgetting".

The Guardian - Books

In it, the Roumanian Government declares that Bulgaria's sudden attack on the Servian troops and her failure to reply to Roumania's warning have compelled the Bucarest Government to order its army to enter Bulgarian territory.

The New York Times

One indicator of how outmatched the President's forces have been was Priorities USA Action's failure to reply after Obama was hit by a negative ad campaign launched by Americans for Prosperity, an outside conservative group co-founded by oil, chemical, and lumber magnate David Koch.

The New Yorker

I'm fucking done with my book!!! YEAH!!!") Depressed by Tanya's failure to reply, Ansari told his tale of woe on stage and had an epiphany: "I could tell that every guy and girl in the audience had had their own Tanya in their phone at one point or another".

The Guardian - Books

A stranger asked, "Mr Oë, what do you think of prime minister Koizumi?" His failure to reply - Oë mimes his predicament with an outstretched arm around an immobile son's shoulders - provoked the remark: "Oë's got so arrogant since the Nobel!" He wrings humour from the incident, but shrugs helplessly.

The Guardian - Books

Attrition was accounted for by incomplete survey data (n = 32) and failure to reply to the invitation to participate (n = 116).

Sports Medicine - Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Top reasons for this include: failure to respond (51percenttoo too many "Reply Alls" (25percentt), messages that were confusing or vague (19percentt), emails that are too long (12percentt) and too much email in general (18percentt).

Huffington Post

Finally, there were clear behavioural differences between the HC and the VC regarding responses to a failure of the Learner to reply to the questions.

Plosone

How to reply?

The New York Times

He tried to reply.

The New Yorker

We were not invited to reply.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to reply", ensure the context clearly indicates what communication was not responded to. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to reply" in informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't respond" or "didn't answer" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to reply" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes the absence of a response. Ludwig AI shows it's used to denote the act of not responding, often carrying a negative connotation depending on the context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to reply" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the absence of a response. According to Ludwig AI, it is deemed appropriate for written English, and this analysis confirms its usability across diverse contexts. While not exceedingly common, the phrase finds frequent application in news, scientific, and formal communications. When writing, consider the level of formality required and whether a simpler alternative would be more appropriate. Understanding its purpose and context can help you employ "failure to reply" effectively and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-response

Focuses on the absence of a response, a more concise alternative.

lack of response

Emphasizes the absence of a reply, similar in meaning but different in structure.

no reply received

Highlights the absence of a received reply, more descriptive.

failure to respond

Uses a synonymous verb, maintaining a similar structure.

omission to answer

A more formal and less common way of saying "failure to reply".

neglecting to respond

Highlights the act of neglecting, implying a lack of intention.

disregarding the request for a response

Emphasizes the disregard of the request, more verbose.

ignoring the communication

Focuses on ignoring the communication, broader in scope.

oversight in answering

Suggests a mistake in not answering, implying unintentionality.

deaf ear to the call

Metaphorical way of saying someone is not listening or responding to the message.

FAQs

What does "failure to reply" mean?

The phrase "failure to reply" signifies that someone did not respond to a question, message, or request. It emphasizes the lack of a response rather than the content of a potential reply.

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

You can use "failure to reply" to indicate a lack of response in various situations. For example: "The project's "failure to launch" was due to the team's failure to reply to important emails."

What are some alternatives to "failure to reply"?

Alternatives include "non-response", "lack of response", or "no reply received". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "failure to reply" formal or informal?

"Failure to reply" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "didn't reply" or "didn't respond". It's suitable for professional or official communication.