a pattern of neglect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pattern of neglect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent or recurring failure to care for or pay attention to something or someone. Example: "The investigation revealed a troubling pattern of neglect in the care of the elderly residents at the facility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Just as over-regulation harmed yellow cabs, it also established a pattern of neglect for our mass transit system.

Columbia University

Dr. Santora, who quit in August, said that while insurance cutbacks played a role, the 1997 deal resulted in a pattern of neglect.

The New York Times

Confused About A-Rod To the Sports Editor: Re "Behind the Facade," Dec. 7: At the beginning of Selena Roberts's column, I assumed that she was going to lay out a pattern of neglect at Alex Rodriguez's properties.

The New York Times

At least eight states have let fighters enter the ring with fraudulent or insufficient medical examinations in recent years, interviews and records show, a pattern of neglect nurtured by a patchwork system of safety.

The New York Times - Sports

It has been beset by scandal — in 2012, former staffers disclosed to the Toronto Star what the newspaper has called "a pattern of neglect that has repeatedly resulted in animal suffering".

The New Yorker

It was part of a pattern of neglect that stretched back for decades, when the land under the residents was sold to investors in shady deals that no one has untangled.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"But there seems to be a pattern of benign neglect.

The New York Times

It is an admonishment of what she sees as a pattern of official neglect of parts of the old city, Irma or no Irma.

The New Yorker

The cases underscore a pattern of government neglect seen in industry after industry as China strives for headlong growth with only embryonic safeguards.

The New York Times

The Smithsonian, which a study panel of Latino professionals condemned in 1994 for "a pattern of willful neglect" toward Hispanic culture, signed its first major affiliation agreement with the Museo Alameda, agreeing to loan treasures from its vast Washington holdings.

The New York Times

The grand jury produced a report in 2004 that detailed a pattern of official neglect and cover-ups in the diocese that went far beyond the handful of prosecuted cases.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pattern of neglect", ensure you provide specific examples to support your claim. Vague accusations without evidence will weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a pattern of neglect" as a general accusation. Always back it up with concrete instances and details to demonstrate the repeated nature of the neglect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pattern of neglect" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a recurring or consistent failure to provide necessary care or attention. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pattern of neglect" serves as a noun phrase highlighting consistent failures in care or attention. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal contexts like news reporting, academic research, and professional communication. Usage analysis shows this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Academia, denoting a communicative purpose of drawing attention to systemic negligence. To effectively use this phrase, one must provide specific instances that demonstrate the recurring nature of the neglect. Alternatives include "consistent neglect" or "recurring negligence".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistent neglect

Focuses on the unchanging nature of the neglect.

recurring negligence

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the negligent actions.

repeated dereliction of duty

Highlights the failure to fulfill responsibilities on multiple occasions.

chronic lack of care

Stresses the prolonged and persistent absence of adequate care.

systematic disregard

Indicates a methodical and organized lack of attention or respect.

habitual inattention

Focuses on the customary lack of attention or attentiveness.

established history of neglect

Highlights the documented existence of past neglectful behavior.

long-standing negligence

Emphasizes the extended duration of the negligent behavior.

persistent lack of oversight

Highlights the continuous failure to provide supervision or monitoring.

regular omission of care

Focuses on the routine absence of necessary care or attention.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a pattern of neglect" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a pattern of neglect", provide specific instances that demonstrate the repeated failures or lack of care. For example, "The investigation revealed "a pattern of neglect" in the facility's maintenance records, with multiple safety violations going unaddressed."

What are some alternatives to using "a pattern of neglect"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "consistent neglect", "recurring negligence", or "systematic disregard".

Is it appropriate to use "a pattern of neglect" in formal writing?

Yes, "a pattern of neglect" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to describe a recurring failure to provide adequate care or attention. Ensure you provide evidence to support your claim.

What is the difference between "a pattern of neglect" and simple neglect?

"A pattern of neglect" implies that the neglect is not an isolated incident but rather a recurring or continuous issue. Simple neglect refers to a single instance or isolated case of lacking proper care.