could have neglected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could have neglected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility in the past where someone might not have paid attention to something or someone. Example: "He could have neglected his responsibilities if he hadn't set reminders for himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For instance, we could have neglected the number of wells, establishing a simplified model only based on the two parameters (installed capacity and drilling depth) that together are responsible for about 65% of the variability of results.

Geothermal Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And how could we have neglected to notice all along that the very power for which the Hulk was celebrated was in fact a complete inability to manage anger?

The Guardian - Film

How could I have neglected this before?

Huffington Post

One reason could be that mutual-fund directors have neglected their duty to the investors and, having been hired by the management company, have little incentive to reduce fees.

The Economist

Instead of a parking structure that will bring more tourists and more traffic congestion into Laguna, for a fraction of the cost we could take care of those we have neglected who are already here.

Los Angeles Times

It could become a headache for companies that have neglected areas of their websites.

Huffington Post

And the Americans have neglected it.

The Economist

Successive governments have neglected police reforms.

The Economist

Surely, historians have neglected their duty.

The Guardian

Those corporations have neglected innovation for decades.

Forbes

I have neglected you.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could have neglected", ensure the context clearly indicates what was possibly overlooked or ignored. It's a nuanced way to express a potential failure to address something important.

Common error

Avoid using "could have neglected" when you mean to state a definite fact of neglect. The phrase implies a possibility or contingency, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could have neglected" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a past possibility or potential action. It expresses that someone had the opportunity or ability to neglect something, but it is not stated as a definite fact. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could have neglected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used modal verb phrase expressing a past possibility of neglect. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what might have been overlooked, and avoid using it to state definite facts of neglect. Semantically related alternatives include "might have overlooked" and "should have addressed". Overall, it’s a versatile phrase for expressing potential oversights or failures in the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might have overlooked

Focuses on the accidental nature of missing something important.

may have disregarded

Suggests a deliberate, though possibly unintentional, act of ignoring something.

should have addressed

Highlights a sense of obligation or duty that was not fulfilled.

ought to have considered

Emphasizes a lack of thoughtful attention to something.

failed to prioritize

Indicates a conscious decision to give something less importance.

didn't pay enough attention to

Highlights an insufficient focus or care.

left unattended

Focuses on the lack of active care or management.

omitted from consideration

Suggests that something was actively excluded from a decision-making process.

were remiss in

Highlights a fault or negligence in a specific duty or action.

let slide

Implies a passive acceptance of something deteriorating or being ignored.

FAQs

How can I use "could have neglected" in a sentence?

The phrase "could have neglected" is used to express that someone had the opportunity to neglect something. For example, "He could have neglected his duties, but he chose to do them anyway".

What are some alternatives to "could have neglected"?

Some alternatives include "might have overlooked", "may have disregarded", or "should have addressed" depending on the context. Explore options like "might have overlooked", "may have disregarded", or "should have addressed".

Is "could have neglected" grammatically correct?

Yes, "could have neglected" is grammatically correct. It uses a modal verb ("could") with the perfect infinitive ("have neglected") to express a past possibility.

What is the difference between "could have neglected" and "did neglect"?

"Could have neglected" suggests a possibility that something was neglected, while "did neglect" states it as a fact. "Could have neglected" implies a potential oversight, whereas "did neglect" confirms the neglect occurred.