To awake or to awaken

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crazyaboutenglish

Junior Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2011
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Spanish
Home Country
Spain
Current Location
Spain
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

Key Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
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.
 
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