fell into neglect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fell into neglect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been ignored or not taken care of over time. Example: "The old library, once a bustling center of knowledge, fell into neglect after the funding was cut."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Then Bergen-Belsen fell into neglect.

The New York Times - Arts

The neighborhood soon fell into neglect.

The New York Times - Travel

Iranian industrial machinery fell into neglect or was never built.

The New Yorker

Historic city cores in many countries either fell into neglect or suffered from harmful developments.

Frontiers of Architectural Research

The baths fell into neglect but were rebuilt in the 16th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Built about 800, it probably fell into neglect by c. 1000 and was overgrown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

A cottage, once belonging to me, has fallen into neglect.

The New York Times

However, as time goes by, the history tends to fall into neglect.

University of California, Berkeley

Tina's huge 19th-century Roman palazzo, once grand, had now fallen into neglect.

The New Yorker

The synagogue, which had fallen into neglect after repeated flooding, was never rebuilt.

The New York Times - Travel

The rest have fallen into neglect, save for the efforts of specialist companies.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fell into neglect" to describe a gradual decline in care or maintenance, often implying a previously better state. Ensure the subject is something that requires upkeep or attention.

Common error

While "fell into neglect" is widely understood, consider more formal alternatives like "declined in maintenance" or "suffered deterioration" for academic or professional writing to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fell into neglect" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change of state. It describes how a subject transitions from a state of being cared for or maintained to one of being ignored or deteriorating, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fell into neglect" effectively describes a state of decline resulting from a lack of care or attention. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for various contexts. While it's widely used in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science as reflected by the examples, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives for academic writing. Related phrases like "became neglected" or "declined in maintenance" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. When using this phrase, remember that the subject should be something that naturally requires upkeep.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became neglected

Focuses on the resulting state of being neglected, rather than the action of declining.

declined in maintenance

Emphasizes the lack of upkeep as the cause of the negative condition.

lapsed into disrepair

Highlights the deterioration and need for repair.

became run-down

Describes the physical appearance and condition resulting from lack of care.

suffered deterioration

Focuses on the process of decline and decay.

was left unattended

Highlights the absence of attention or care.

devolved into a state of disuse

Emphasizes the shift to a state of not being used or maintained.

went to seed

Figurative language emphasizing the untended and deteriorated condition.

slipped from attention

Focuses on the gradual loss of interest and care.

experienced a period of abandonment

Highlights the conscious act of abandoning something, leading to neglect.

FAQs

What does "fell into neglect" mean?

The phrase "fell into neglect" describes a situation where something, such as a building, a skill, or an idea, has been ignored or not taken care of over time, leading to a state of disrepair or decline. It suggests a previous state of care that has diminished.

How can I use "fell into neglect" in a sentence?

You can use "fell into neglect" to describe anything that requires maintenance or attention. For example: "The old house "became neglected" after the owners moved away."

What are some synonyms for "fell into neglect"?

Some synonyms for "fell into neglect" include "declined in maintenance", "lapsed into disrepair", or "became run-down", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fell into neglect" formal or informal language?

The phrase "fell into neglect" is generally considered neutral in tone. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. Consider using "suffered deterioration" or a similar phrase for a more formal tone.