To awake or to awaken

[crazyaboutenglish]

Hi everyone,

My friend told me that this sentence is wrong:-

She failed to wake her.

and that I should say:-

She fails to awaken her.

I think both sentences are correct but I don't know why. Can anyone tell me?

Thanks

[billmcd]

Hi everyone,

My friend told me that this sentence is wrong:- Context would help but:

She failed to wake her. OK; this morning, yesterday, last week etc.

and that I should say:-

She fails to awaken her. Always, Every day OR, In describing what happens, for example in a movie, "....then he kisses her gently on the cheek, but fails to awaken her."

I think both sentences are correct but I don't know why. Can anyone tell me?

Thanks

Comments above. Please show this and other responses you might receive to your friend.