could be overlooked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be overlooked" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something has the potential to not be noticed or taken into consideration. Example: "The typo in your email could easily be overlooked by the reader." This means that there is a chance that the reader might not notice the typo when reading the email.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That such a novel could be overlooked is an amazement.

The Guardian - Books

Some politically themed works are so low key that they conceivably could be overlooked.

The New York Times - Arts

He could be overlooked in many drafts, but this projection suggests he shouldn't be.

The New York Times

Still, he said, they understood that for a flawless parade day, no detail could be overlooked.

The New York Times

Baker said he understood how others in the lineup could be overlooked.

The New York Times - Sports

Pulldown assays are not sensitive and a weak but biologically relevant interaction could be overlooked.

Nature

Interpersonal or intergroup tensions which could be overlooked in the early stage now clamor for attention.

Harvard Business Review

Offensive lineman Kareem McKenzie said one area that could be overlooked was Manning's involvement in ensuring proper pass protection.

The New York Times - Sports

Mining and transporting coal will always be messy, but this could be overlooked were it burned cheaply and cleanly.

The Economist

The multivariate hazardous location identification results demonstrated that some hazardous locations could be overlooked if the analysis was restricted to the univariate models.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

But there are simpler issues that could be overlooked if people figured there was no longer a need to think about an estate plan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be overlooked", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific factors might cause something to be missed or ignored. Providing this clarity enhances the effectiveness of your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "could be overlooked" without specifying what factors contribute to this possibility. Vague statements can weaken your argument. Instead, provide concrete reasons or examples to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be overlooked" functions as a passive construction indicating a potential or possibility. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses that something has the potential to not be noticed or taken into consideration. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be overlooked" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates the potential for something to be missed or ignored. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase functions effectively across a range of contexts, from academic writing to news reporting. It serves as a cautionary expression, prompting awareness of factors that might lead to neglect. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for various communication needs. To ensure clarity, always provide specific context to explain why something "could be overlooked". Alternatives like "could be missed" or "might be ignored" offer nuanced options for expressing similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be missed

Focuses on the potential for something to go unnoticed or unappreciated.

may be unnoticed

Highlights the potential for something to remain unseen or undetected.

can be missed

Indicates that something has the ability or potential to be missed.

might go unnoticed

Emphasizes the possibility of something failing to attract attention.

might be ignored

Emphasizes the possibility of something being deliberately disregarded.

may be disregarded

Similar to "might be ignored", but carries a slightly more formal tone.

might be forgotten

Highlights the potential for something to slip from memory or consideration.

can go unheeded

Focuses on the possibility of advice or warnings not being listened to.

can be undervalued

Emphasizes the possibility of something's worth not being fully appreciated.

may be underestimated

Indicates the possibility of something's importance or value being incorrectly judged as lower than it actually is.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could be overlooked" indicates a possibility that something might not be noticed or considered. For example, "The importance of regular exercise "could be overlooked" in a sedentary lifestyle".

What are some alternatives to "could be overlooked"?

Alternatives include "could be missed", "might be ignored", or "may be unnoticed". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can be overlooked" instead of "could be overlooked"?

Yes, "can be overlooked" is also correct. While "could" suggests a possibility or potential, "can" implies an inherent ability to be overlooked. The best choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

What's the difference between "could be overlooked" and "is potentially overlooked"?

"Could be overlooked" suggests a possibility in the future or under certain circumstances, while "is potentially overlooked" describes a present situation where something is already at risk of being missed or ignored. The latter emphasizes a more immediate concern.