decided to overlook

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided to overlook" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating a choice to ignore or not take into account something that may be considered negative or problematic. Example: "After much consideration, she decided to overlook the minor mistakes in his report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

There was another omen I decided to overlook.

The New York Times

"There's some conflicting information here, and the market has just decided to overlook the negative thing".

The New York Times

My commitment is so great that I have decided to overlook my general rule about never setting foot on coaches.

Independent

"I decided to overlook engineering and just illustrate an innovative concept," Mr. Octuri said in a telephone interview from Toulouse.

The New York Times

Instead, Mr. Young decided to overlook the man's actions and left him in charge of another fund-financed project in Tanzania.

The New York Times

Meyers took a polygraph on this accusation and failed, but the Bureau had such a need for informants who could work drug cases that it decided to overlook the deception — as well as Meyers's mental-health history.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Few financial specialists get the chance to join the board of a FTSE 100 company at 35, so you can't blame Pearson for deciding to overlook the less-than-wholehearted endorsement from the board.

The Guardian - Business

It is as if you have caught someone stealing your car and the police decide to overlook technical issues like the law and ownership and instead tell you to negotiate with the thief to get occasional access to the back seat.

The Guardian - Opinion

In effect, the judge decided to completely overlook the countless anachronisms, inconsistencies, and physical impossibilities on which the case rests.

The New York Times

Tuesday's special election is when Alabamians decide whether to overlook Moore's reported transgressions and his national dissenters to vote him into the Senate.

Huffington Post

South Korea's manufacturers then nurtured the necessary design and technological expertise to develop their own branded products, often focusing on fledgling markets, which their competitors had either overlooked or decided to ignore to protect their vested interests.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decided to overlook", be mindful of the potential implications. It can suggest forgiveness, pragmatism, or even negligence, depending on the situation. Ensure the surrounding text clarifies your intent.

Common error

Avoid using "decided to overlook" as a default response without considering the underlying issue. Overusing it can create the impression that you're dismissive or not taking matters seriously. Always evaluate whether addressing the issue directly would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided to overlook" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate choice to ignore or disregard something. It suggests a conscious decision not to acknowledge or address a particular issue, often for a specific reason. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decided to overlook" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express a deliberate choice to ignore or disregard something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to the ethical implications of overlooking certain issues. Alternatives such as "chose to disregard" or "opted to ignore" can be used to vary the expression, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose to disregard

Emphasizes a conscious choice to ignore something, similar to "decided to overlook" but with a slightly more formal tone.

opted to ignore

Suggests a deliberate selection from multiple options, highlighting the act of choosing to ignore.

elected to disregard

Similar to "opted to ignore" but implies a more formal or official decision.

saw fit to ignore

Indicates that someone believed it was appropriate to ignore something, often carrying a hint of disapproval or surprise.

deemed it best to ignore

Focuses on the judgment that ignoring something was the most suitable course of action.

agreed to turn a blind eye

Implies a tacit agreement or understanding to ignore something, often suggesting complicity.

chose to not address

Focuses on the decision to avoid dealing with or discussing something.

passed over

Suggests that something was deliberately skipped or not considered.

let slide

Indicates a more casual or lenient decision to ignore something, often a minor fault or mistake.

looked the other way

Implies a deliberate avoidance of noticing something, often suggesting a moral compromise.

FAQs

How can I use "decided to overlook" in a sentence?

You can use "decided to overlook" to indicate a conscious choice to ignore or disregard something. For example, "The manager "decided to overlook" the employee's tardiness due to their otherwise excellent performance."

What are some alternatives to "decided to overlook"?

Some alternatives include "chose to disregard", "opted to ignore", or "let slide". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "decided to overlook"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if the thing being overlooked is a serious ethical or legal violation. In such cases, ignoring the issue could have negative consequences.

What's the difference between "decided to overlook" and "failed to notice"?

"Decided to overlook" implies a conscious decision to ignore something, while "failed to notice" suggests a lack of awareness. The former is a deliberate act, while the latter is unintentional.