diff --git a/frontend_tests/node_tests/message_store.js b/frontend_tests/node_tests/message_store.js
index 1436cf59c9..7acc4d9bdd 100644
--- a/frontend_tests/node_tests/message_store.js
+++ b/frontend_tests/node_tests/message_store.js
@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@ test("errors", () => {
     with_field(
         pm_conversations,
         "set_partner",
-        () => assert(false),
+        () => assert.fail(),
         () => {
             pm_conversations.process_message(message);
         },