given little thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given little thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not been considered carefully or thoroughly. Example: "The proposal was implemented quickly, but it was clear that it had been given little thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Most Europeans have given little thought to the expansion of their club.

The Economist

On CBS's "60 Minutes," Mr. Gore said he had given little thought to concession.

The New York Times

Before hospice, Mr. Henson said he had given little thought to the consequences of his crime.

The New York Times - Health

Aguas del Tunari seemed to have given little thought to how its plans would be received in Cochabamba.

The New Yorker

Four-fifths of Canadian boreal forest products are consumed in the United States, and most of the purchasers there had given little thought to their paper's origins.

The Economist

But many young followers here said they were drawn by their sense of visceral communion with God and had given little thought to such issues.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

They gave little thought to the future.

Independent

We gave little thought to past events.

The Guardian - Books

Some give little thought to where the qualification might lead.

The Economist

They gave little thought to the consequences of leaving.

The New York Times

They gave little thought to setting up a standard practice.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "given little thought" to express that a subject or issue was not carefully considered, especially when highlighting oversights or unintended consequences. It accurately conveys a lack of thorough analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "given little thought" interchangeably with phrases implying active rejection or dismissal. This expression specifically indicates a lack of prior consideration, not a conscious decision to disregard something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given little thought" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in the passive voice, to describe the state of something not being adequately considered. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given little thought" is a common phrase used to express a lack of prior consideration or thorough analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in "News & Media", Encyclopedia and Scientific contexts, this expression serves to critique oversights and highlight deficiencies in planning. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a lack of consideration rather than active dismissal. Alternatives like "paid scant attention to" or "barely considered" can provide nuanced options for expressing similar meanings. By understanding its proper usage, writers can effectively convey oversights and improve clarity in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paid scant attention to

Indicates minimal attention was given.

barely considered

Suggests a superficial level of consideration.

not dwelled upon

Implies a lack of prolonged thinking about something.

overlooked

Something was missed or not noticed.

disregarded

Suggests a conscious decision to ignore.

not bothered to consider

Indicates unwillingness to think about something.

neglected to ponder

Implies a failure to reflect on something.

dismissed without consideration

Something was rejected without proper thought.

taken lightly

Suggests the matter was not treated seriously.

not focused on

Indicates a lack of concentration on a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "given little thought" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "received insufficient consideration", "was not adequately contemplated", or "lacked thorough examination". These options add a layer of professional distance while conveying the same essential meaning.

What does it mean to say something has been "given little thought"?

When something has been "given little thought", it means that the subject hasn't been carefully or thoroughly considered. It implies a lack of planning, foresight, or analysis before action or decision.

Is "given little thought" the same as "disregarded"?

No, "given little thought" and disregarded have distinct meanings. "Given little thought" implies a lack of prior consideration, while "disregarded" suggests a conscious decision to ignore or reject something, even if it was initially considered.

How to use "given little thought" in a sentence?

You can use "given little thought" to indicate that an idea, plan, or issue has not been considered carefully or thoroughly. For example, "The potential consequences of the policy change were "given little thought", leading to unforeseen problems".