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Apin Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Better phrasing: "fails to"

I need an Elements of Style Omit needless words advice on which is the better way to say this:

"He fails to account for . . . "
"He fails to go into an analysis of the . . ."

OR

"He does not account for . . . "
"He does not go into an analysis of the . . ."

Thanks
  

Top answer

Both "He fails to account for" and "He does not account for" seem terse enough. As for the other example, maybe "He fails to analyze" would save more words. CJ

— CalifJim

  • Both "He fails to account for" and "He does not account for" seem terse enough.
  • As for the other example, maybe "He fails to analyze" would save more words.
  • CJ
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1 Answers
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Both "He fails to account for" and "He does not account for" seem terse enough.
As for the other example, maybe "He fails to analyze" would save more words.

CJ
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