I ignored them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I ignored them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where you chose not to pay attention to or acknowledge someone or something. Example: "Despite their constant complaints, I ignored them and focused on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"I ignored them.

The New Yorker

But I ignored them.

The New York Times - Travel

The lights were flashing, but I ignored them.

Independent

"At first, I fought them, then I ignored them.

The New York Times

One dollar!" I ignored them, they kept shouting.

The New York Times - Travel

"But I ignored them because I know I'm doing no wrong.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Usually I ignore them.

The New Yorker

"I ignore them," Mrs. Khan said.

The New York Times

I ignore them, of course".

The New Yorker

I ignore them," she says.

The New Yorker

I ignore them and move on.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I ignored them" when you want to clearly state that you consciously chose not to pay attention to something. It is a straightforward way to express a decision to disregard external stimuli or advice.

Common error

While "I ignored them" is perfectly acceptable, consider using more nuanced alternatives like "I dismissed their concerns" or "I set aside their recommendations" in formal contexts to convey a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I ignored them" functions as a declarative statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usage is correct. It indicates the subject's conscious decision to disregard or not pay attention to a specific group of individuals or things, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I ignored them" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a deliberate act of disregarding or not paying attention to something. As highlighted by Ludwig, the expression is widely used across diverse contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can be adjusted using synonyms like "I disregarded them" for more formal settings. Common errors include overuse in formal writing where more nuanced alternatives might be preferred. Overall, "I ignored them" is a versatile phrase, but understanding its context and potential alternatives is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I paid them no mind

This alternative emphasizes a lack of attention or concern given to the subject.

I disregarded them

Focuses on dismissing something as unimportant or irrelevant.

I took no notice of them

Emphasizes a lack of awareness or attention.

I overlooked them

Implies a failure to notice or consider something, often unintentionally.

I didn't acknowledge them

Highlights the absence of recognition or response.

I brushed them off

Suggests a dismissive attitude, quickly rejecting something.

I turned a blind eye to them

Indicates a conscious decision to ignore something, often something negative.

I gave them the cold shoulder

Suggests a deliberate act of unfriendliness or rejection.

I sidelined them

Implies pushing something or someone to the periphery, making them less important.

I left them alone

Focuses on abstaining from interaction or interference.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I ignored them" to sound more formal?

In formal settings, consider alternatives such as "I disregarded them", "I set aside their concerns", or "I chose to overlook them". These options offer a more refined tone while maintaining the core meaning.

What's the difference between "I ignored them" and "I overlooked them"?

"I ignored them" implies a conscious decision to not pay attention, whereas "I overlooked them" suggests a failure to notice something, often unintentionally. The former is a deliberate act; the latter, a possible oversight.

Is "I ignored them" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "I ignored them" might sound too informal for some academic contexts. Using alternatives like "I disregarded these findings" or "I did not consider those aspects" can enhance the academic tone.

What are some less direct ways to say "I ignored them"?

If you want to soften the statement, try phrases such as "I didn't dwell on it", "I didn't give it much thought", or "I paid no attention to them". These options can minimize potential negative connotations.