he was ignored

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was ignored" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone did not receive attention or acknowledgment from others. Example: "Despite his efforts to contribute to the discussion, he was ignored by his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But he was ignored.

The New York Times - Magazine

Initially, he was ignored.

The New York Times

He was ignored.

The New York Times

He said he was ignored.

The New York Times

In the N.F.L. draft, he was ignored.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was ignored by the nurses.

Independent

"He was ignored at the tees".

The New York Times - Sports

But when he alerted his superiors he was ignored.

The New Yorker

Even when he was ignored, Newman aimed his art at museums.

The New Yorker

The young man made some placatory overtures, but he was ignored by the girl.

The New Yorker

MW advised his own, trusted specialists and was miffed when he was ignored.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was ignored" to clearly and directly express that someone's presence, opinions, or needs were not acknowledged or heeded. This phrase is effective in conveying a sense of neglect or disregard.

Common error

While "he was ignored" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Consider if an active construction like "they ignored him" would be more impactful and direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was ignored" functions as a passive construction, where the subject receives the action of being ignored. It emphasizes the state of being disregarded, rather than the actor doing the ignoring. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was ignored" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction to express that someone was disregarded or not given attention. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate in various contexts, with a neutral register that suits both formal and informal communication. Its high frequency in news and media sources indicates its widespread acceptance and understanding. When writing, consider whether an active voice construction would be more direct, but the passive form is useful when the actor is unknown or unimportant. Remember that alternatives such as "he was overlooked" or "he was disregarded" may provide a more nuanced expression depending on the specific situation you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was overlooked

Focuses on being missed or not noticed.

he was disregarded

Emphasizes a conscious decision to ignore someone or something.

he was shunned

Implies a deliberate avoidance or exclusion.

he was brushed aside

Suggests a dismissive treatment, as if someone's concerns are unimportant.

he was given the cold shoulder

Describes a deliberate act of unfriendliness or ignoring someone.

his concerns were dismissed

Focuses on the rejection of his concerns rather than the person himself.

no one paid attention to him

Highlights the lack of interest or notice given to the individual.

his voice went unheard

Emphasizes the lack of impact or influence of his opinions or ideas.

he went unnoticed

Highlights that nobody took note of someone's presence.

he was excluded

Suggests being left out from a group or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "he was ignored" in a sentence?

Use "he was ignored" to indicate that someone received no attention or acknowledgement. For example, "Despite his repeated requests, "he was ignored" by the staff".

What are some alternatives to "he was ignored"?

You can use alternatives like "he was overlooked", "he was disregarded", or "he was shunned" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "he was ignored" or "they ignored him"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "they ignored him" is in the active voice and often more direct and impactful. "He was ignored" is passive and can be useful when the actor is unknown or unimportant.

What's the difference between "he was ignored" and "he was neglected"?

"He was ignored" implies a lack of attention or acknowledgement, while "he was neglected" suggests a failure to provide necessary care or attention. Neglect is often more serious and implies a duty of care.