could overlook something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could overlook something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of missing or failing to notice something important or significant. Example: "In the rush to complete the project, I could overlook something crucial that might affect the final outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And banks are less willing to rush an application because that could increase the chances they might overlook something suspicious.

The New York Times

And while I did make an exception for the immune system, on second thought I could be overlooking something.

Harvard Business Review

In forensics work, it's so easy to overlook something, or to make a slip that could compromise the evidential integrity of your findings.

Network Security

"You can't afford to overlook something".

The New York Times

However, they tend to overlook something important: China.

The Washington Post

Yes, and to overlook something means not to see it.

BBC

It would be egregious to overlook something so wonderful.

Huffington Post

Well now, this is surely more often the case with me, that I overlook something altogether".

BMC Family Practice

Could Gould have overlooked something?

Huffington Post

Although he was notoriously difficult to work with in the art world, his self-taught technique and raw talent were something that no art connoisseur could overlook.

Huffington Post

"We specifically wanted to reach the community that could tell us if we overlooked something, in which case we fully intend to withdraw the papers," Wouter Vlemmings, an astronomer at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and co-author on both studies, told Scientific American.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could overlook something", consider emphasizing the potential consequences of the oversight to highlight the importance of thoroughness. For example, "In our haste, we could overlook something critical that could jeopardize the entire project."

Common error

Avoid using "could overlook something" as a justification for negligence. It acknowledges a possibility, but it should prompt increased vigilance, not acceptance of potential errors. Do not use it to mean that it's ok or acceptable to eventually overlooking something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could overlook something" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. It indicates that there is a chance that something may be missed or not noticed. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could overlook something" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express the possibility of missing or neglecting something important. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It serves to caution against potential oversights and is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to emphasize the potential consequences of the oversight and to avoid using it as a justification for negligence. Consider using alternative phrases like "might miss something" or "may fail to notice" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might miss something

Suggests a possibility of failing to notice something. This is a more direct and less formal alternative.

might neglect something

Emphasizes a failure to care for or attend to something important.

may fail to notice something

Highlights a potential lack of awareness or attention.

risk missing something

Focuses on the potential negative consequences of not paying attention.

may fail to spot something

Indicates a potential failure to identify or detect something.

risk neglecting something

Highlights the danger of not giving proper attention to something important.

may not see something

Suggests a failure to understand or recognize something.

could disregard something

Indicates a possible intentional or unintentional dismissal of something.

might gloss over something

Implies a superficial or hurried treatment of something, potentially missing important details.

may omit something

Focuses on the act of leaving something out, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "could overlook something" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "might fail to notice" or "may neglect to consider", which convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

What does it mean to "overlook something"?

To "overlook something" means to fail to notice or consider something, often due to haste, inattention, or lack of thoroughness. It implies that something important may be missed.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "could overlook something"?

It's appropriate to use "could overlook something" when discussing the potential for an error or omission, especially when emphasizing the need for caution or attention to detail. It's suitable in contexts ranging from project management to personal reflection.

Is there a difference between "could overlook something" and "might overlook something"?

The phrases "could overlook something" and "might overlook something" are very similar in meaning, both expressing a possibility of overlooking something. "Could" suggests a slightly higher probability or permissibility, while "might" suggests a slightly lower probability, but the difference is often negligible in everyday usage.