I was neglecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was neglecting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action in the past where someone failed to give proper attention or care to something or someone. Example: "I was neglecting my health by not exercising regularly and eating poorly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

If anything, I was neglecting schoolwork".

The New York Times - Sports

I was neglecting the creative side of myself.

The Guardian - Music

Alabama center Barrett Jones was repeatedly asked about his golf game, which prompted him to respond: "I don't want you to think I was neglecting football.

The New York Times - Sports

I felt as if there were some important responsibility that I was neglecting so wholly that I couldn't even admit to myself that it was there.

The New Yorker

I was neglecting my health, my heart and the people I love.

Huffington Post

How often I was neglecting my needs -- maybe even my loved ones' needs -- and ignoring the bigger picture for my life and dreams.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This means that if the integer nature of m i is neglected, the optimum m i is either 1 or proportional to |λ i |.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

"I was neglected and abused in a harsh institution when I had the option of love and a family life with my foster mother in England," O'Brien said.

The Guardian

Growing up abused and isolated, I learned to protect myself by distancing myself and not speaking up, so I've seldom said anything about how, as a child, I was neglected, stalked, and strangled.

Huffington Post

So actually you could say that I am neglecting my health in order to be able to pay for my insurance".

The New York Times

And work conferences could take place on the moon or under the sea or on a pirate ship or in whichever totally awesome setting you chose.I'm neglecting all sorts of complicating issues, of course.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific synonyms if the type of neglect is better described by words like "overlooking", "disregarding", or "failing to maintain".

Common error

Avoid vague statements about what you were neglecting. Instead of saying "I was neglecting things", specify "I was neglecting my health" or "I was neglecting my responsibilities" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was neglecting" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous action in the past. It expresses a state of not giving sufficient attention or care to someone or something, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was neglecting" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to express a past continuous action of not giving enough care or attention to something. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides examples spanning from news articles to personal reflections. While relatively uncommon, the phrase is appropriate for both neutral and informal contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying what you were neglecting ensures effective communication. Considering alternatives like "I was ignoring" or "I was overlooking" can provide a more nuanced meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was ignoring

Indicates a conscious decision to pay no attention, whereas "I was neglecting" suggests an oversight or lack of attention.

I was overlooking

Suggests a failure to notice or consider something, similar to "I was neglecting" but with a stronger emphasis on the failure of perception.

I was disregarding

Emphasizes a conscious decision to ignore something, while "I was neglecting" suggests an unintentional lack of care.

I was failing to maintain

Focuses on the lack of upkeep or preservation, which is a specific type of neglect.

I was shirking

Implies avoiding a duty or responsibility, while "I was neglecting" suggests a more passive lack of attention.

I wasn't prioritizing

Highlights the lack of importance given to something, leading to its neglect.

I wasn't attending to

Indicates a lack of active care or attention, similar to "I was neglecting" but more direct.

I was remiss in

Suggests a fault or failure in fulfilling a duty, synonymous with neglecting.

I dropped the ball on

An informal expression meaning to fail to fulfill a responsibility, implying neglect.

I wasn't giving enough attention to

Clearly states that adequate attention was not being provided, equivalent to neglecting.

FAQs

What does "I was neglecting" mean?

The phrase "I was neglecting" means that in the past, you weren't giving enough attention or care to something or someone. It suggests a lack of attention or a failure to fulfill responsibilities.

What can I say instead of "I was neglecting"?

You can use alternatives like "I was ignoring", "I was overlooking", or "I was disregarding" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I neglected" or "I was neglecting"?

Both are grammatically correct. "I neglected" implies a completed action, while "I was neglecting" suggests an ongoing action in the past. The choice depends on the context and the intended emphasis.

How can I use "I was neglecting" in a sentence?

You can use "I was neglecting" to describe a past situation where you failed to give proper attention to something. For example, "I was neglecting my studies because I was too focused on extracurricular activities."