failure to take steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to take steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is discussing the lack of action or measures taken to address a situation or problem. Example: "The company's failure to take steps to improve safety protocols led to several accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Indeed, there have been cases where property owners have been found to be liable for failure to take steps necessary to provide security to residents or guests," he said.

The New York Times

The High Court has ordered the government of Bangladesh to explain its failure to take steps to protect the Hindu minority in this Muslim-dominated country, judicial officials have said.

The New York Times

The Afghan government's failure to take steps to deal with the bank's corruption and fraud has been a major factor in a decision by the International Monetary Fund to delay indefinitely the renewal of its credit program with Afghanistan.

The New York Times

That included what the S.E.C. said was a failure to take steps to review the audit after evidence emerged that the auditors had been misled about whether the bank had taken large enough write-downs on the value of real estate development loans.

The New York Times

When asked by Mr Greaney if his failure to take steps to close the tunnel entrance was the direct cause of the deaths of 96 people, Mr Duckenfield replied "yes sir".

BBC

When it comes to cases of constitutive luck, like the case of the racist, they can say that we confuse agents' blameworthiness for their character and attitudes with blameworthiness for their actions that manifest these offending attitudes and for their failure to take steps to eliminate them.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The letter comes amid deep frustration in Whitehall at the apparent failure of the Obama administration to take steps towards releasing Aamer.

The Guardian

While the committee's report concentrates on human rights violations that predate the 2010 general election, it repeatedly expresses concern at the failure of the current government to take steps to hold those responsible to account.

The Guardian

The failure of the ECB or IMF to take steps to rein in the bubble before the crisis has not made these international financial institutions shy about using a heavy hand in imposing conditions now.

The Guardian - Opinion

The judges cited the state's "repeated failure to take necessary steps to remedy the constitutional violations" in their latest ruling and said that any appeal of the plan would not push back Thursday's order.

The New York Times

There is no "silver bullet" to reduce the job losses in American manufacturing: Fashioning Chinese currency revaluation as one risks both unwelcome international consequences and failure to take helpful steps at home.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to take steps", clearly identify what specific actions were not taken and the resulting consequences. This strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to take steps" without specifying who failed to act. Clearly attribute the inaction to the responsible party to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to take steps" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a lack of action or omission in a situation where action was expected or required. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting examples in news and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to take steps" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the omission of specific actions, as validated by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use in news, media, scientific, and wiki contexts. Its neutral register makes it versatile across different types of content and audiences. When writing, ensure you specify who failed to act and what those steps should have been to maximize clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "neglect to act" or "omission of necessary actions" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglect to act

This alternative emphasizes the neglectful aspect of not taking action.

omission of necessary actions

Highlights the lack of required actions.

inaction in response

Focuses on the lack of reaction to a situation.

failure to implement measures

Specifically refers to the absence of implemented measures.

lack of proactive measures

Emphasizes the absence of forward-thinking actions.

default in taking action

Implies a responsibility to act that was not fulfilled.

non-intervention

A more formal term for not getting involved or taking action.

passivity in addressing

Highlights the passive role taken instead of active engagement.

forsaking corrective action

Emphasizes the abandonment of actions that would rectify a situation.

dereliction of duty to act

A more legalistic term implying a failure to fulfill a responsibility.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "failure to take steps" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "omission of necessary actions" or "dereliction of duty to act", which carry a stronger sense of responsibility and accountability.

What are some situations where I might use the phrase "failure to take steps"?

This phrase is useful when discussing negligence, unfulfilled obligations, or situations where expected actions were not implemented, leading to negative consequences. Examples include a government's failure to protect its citizens or a company's failure to address safety concerns.

Is "failure to take steps" the same as "failure to take action"?

While similar, "failure to take steps" implies a more specific lack of incremental measures or procedures, whereas "failure to take action" is a broader statement about a lack of any activity whatsoever.

What is the best way to use "failure to take steps" in a sentence?

To use "failure to take steps" effectively, follow it with a clear explanation of what those steps should have been and the negative outcome that resulted from their omission. For example, "The company's "failure to take steps" to update its security software led to a data breach."