ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fail to do sth

fixed phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. to not do something that you were expected or supposed to do.

fixed phr.. to neglect or omit the performance of an expected action; often used to describe a lack of success in meeting a requirement or obligation.


SIMPLE

He failed to do his homework on time.

CONTEXTUAL

The company failed to do the necessary safety checks before the factory opened.

COMPLEX

Despite numerous warnings from the local authorities, the developer failed to do the required environmental impact assessment.

Usage

usually followed by an infinitive verb to specify the action that did not happen.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'forget to do' (accidental) and 'refuse to do' (intentional); 'fail to do' is more neutral and focuses on the result of the action not occurring.

Pitfall

He failed doing his homework.He failed to do his homework.the verb 'fail' must be followed by a 'to-infinitive' rather than a gerund when expressing an omission of action.

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