act of neglect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of neglect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone fails to take necessary action or care, resulting in harm or damage. Example: "The court found that the company was guilty of an act of neglect that led to the environmental disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But almost everything that happened both before and after was an act of neglect.

The Guardian - Books

The magistrate overseeing the case said: "This was a blatant act of neglect of a dog.

Independent

"This cruel and heartless act of neglect is barbaric - time is running out to help a vulnerable and traumatised young lady".

Independent

He claims that buying the cameras, spending thousands of pounds to transport himself to Indonesia, and performing the act of neglect that allowed the monkeys to steal his cameras entitles him to full authorship of the image, regardless of who pushed the button.

The New Yorker

The machine gestures toward another way Wallace's fans have understood his suicide: as a god's abandonment, an act of neglect for which Wallace through the enduring grace and divinity of his life and work must perpetually earn our forgiveness, as if he failed all of us by being so brilliant and leaving so early.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

By the simple act of neglecting her young, a mother rat could permanently change the expression of genes in her offspring.

The Economist

It is an act of utter neglect and cruelty.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Islamist groups grow in influence across the region, it would be an act of criminal neglect to ignore them.

The Guardian - Opinion

This embarrassment was associated with 1) the act of self-neglect, 2) actual, visible tooth damage from neglect or 3) exaggerated perceptions of tooth damage associated with guilty conscience.

BMC Psychiatry

Instead, they point to small slights and acts of benign neglect as the likeliest culprits in women's career lag -- the molehills that, as Virginia Valian put it in her book, "Why So Slow?

The New York Times - Science

If such an outpouring of compassion can happen here -- at the site of one of the most deplorable acts of animal neglect on record -- it can happen anywhere.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act of neglect", consider the specific type of neglect being described to provide clarity. For example, "an act of medical neglect" or "an act of parental neglect".

Common error

Avoid using "act of neglect" in overly emotional or sensationalized contexts where simpler, more direct language would be more effective. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of neglect" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance where a duty of care was not fulfilled, resulting in harm or potential harm. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act of neglect" is used to describe a specific instance of failing to provide necessary care or attention, often resulting in harm or potential harm. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct, though its frequency is rare. It commonly appears in contexts related to news and media, as well as science, often in discussions involving legal or ethical considerations. When writing, it's important to consider the specific type of neglect and avoid overuse in overly emotional contexts. Alternative phrases such as "negligent action" or "omission of care" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negligent action

Focuses more directly on the negligence involved.

omission of care

Emphasizes the lack of attention or care provided.

failure to protect

Highlights the failure to safeguard someone or something.

dereliction of duty

Indicates a failure to fulfill one's responsibilities.

lapse in responsibility

Suggests a temporary failure to act responsibly.

instance of carelessness

Highlights the casual lack of care or attention.

breach of duty of care

Focuses on the legal aspect of failing to provide adequate care.

failure to safeguard

Highlights the failure to secure and protect someone or something from harm.

instance of abandonment

Emphasizes the act of leaving someone or something without support or care.

negligent oversight

Highlights the failure to properly supervise or oversee something, leading to negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "act of neglect" in a sentence?

You can use "act of neglect" to describe a specific instance where someone failed to provide necessary care or attention, resulting in harm. For example, "The investigation revealed a clear "negligent action" on the part of the caregivers."

What are some alternatives to "act of neglect"?

Alternatives include "negligent action", "omission of care", or "failure to protect", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "act of neglect" the same as "negligence"?

"Act of neglect" refers to a specific instance, while "negligence" is a broader term describing a pattern or general lack of care. "Negligence" suggests a continuous behavior, while "act of neglect" describes a particular event.

What's the difference between "act of neglect" and "omission"?

"Omission" generally refers to a failure to do something. An "act of neglect" is a specific type of omission where the failure to act results in harm or puts someone at risk. While all acts of neglect involve an omission, not all omissions constitute an "instance of abandonment".