be overlooked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be overlooked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is not noticed or considered, often unintentionally. Example: "In the rush to complete the project, some important details may be overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Details can be overlooked.

The New York Times

"Good novels will be overlooked".

The New York Times - Books

This shouldn't be overlooked.

The Guardian - Sport

That vulnerability should not be overlooked.

The Economist

Johnson's race must not be overlooked.

Independent

This beat will not be overlooked.

The New Yorker

But she can't be overlooked anymore.

The New York Times - Sports

This in itself will never be overlooked.

The New York Times

Neither should anyone be overlooked.

The New York Times - Arts

Women continue to be overlooked.

The Washington Post

Can a superstar be overlooked?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be overlooked", ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates what is doing the overlooking (even if it's an unintentional oversight) and what is being overlooked to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "be overlooked". Whenever possible, rephrase the sentence in active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The error was overlooked", try "Someone overlooked the error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be overlooked" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is not noticed or given due attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples show its role in highlighting potential oversights or emphasizing the importance of not neglecting certain aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be overlooked" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey the idea of something not being noticed or given sufficient attention. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and business, signaling its broad applicability. While often carrying a negative connotation of potential oversight, it can also serve as a neutral acknowledgement. Effective writing involves recognizing the nuances of "be overlooked" to ensure clarity and impact. Remember to consider alternatives to keep your writing fresh and actively engage your audience. Also, bear in mind not to overuse the passive voice, as this can weaken your message and result in the ideas within it to "be forgotten". Keep in mind that proper use and application will help to communicate a clear message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be missed

Focuses on the failure to notice something, rather than its inherent visibility.

go unnoticed

Emphasizes the lack of attention received.

be disregarded

Implies a conscious decision to ignore something, rather than a simple oversight.

be forgotten

Highlights that something is not remembered or considered.

be neglected

Suggests a lack of care or attention that results in something being ignored.

be unheeded

Emphasizes that advice or a warning is ignored, not just unseen.

escape notice

Focuses on the act of avoiding attention or detection.

be unseen

Highlights the lack of visibility.

be passed over

Indicates a deliberate choice to skip something.

be omitted

Suggests that something has been left out or excluded.

FAQs

How can I use "be overlooked" in a sentence?

You can use "be overlooked" to indicate that something wasn't noticed or considered. For example, "Important details can "be overlooked" during a rushed process" or "The significance of this finding should not "be overlooked"".

What's a more direct way to express the idea of something "be overlooked"?

Instead of using the passive voice "be overlooked", you might opt for a more direct, active construction. For instance, rather than "The mistake was overlooked", try "Someone missed the mistake" or "They didn't notice the error".

What are some alternatives to "be overlooked" that emphasize a deliberate choice?

While "be overlooked" often suggests an unintentional oversight, phrases like "be disregarded" or "be passed over" can imply a conscious decision to ignore something. The choice depends on the context and intended meaning.

Is it always negative when something "be overlooked"?

The implication of "be overlooked" is often negative, as it suggests something important was missed. However, in some contexts, it can be neutral or even positive. For instance, "A minor detail may "be overlooked" in the grand scheme of things" implies it's not crucial.