he was neglected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was neglected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone did not receive the attention or care they needed. Example: "As a child, he was neglected by his parents, which affected his emotional development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Either the boy was punished or he was neglected and got into the basement accidentally," Mr. Astakhov said, according to RIA Novosti news service.

The New York Times

The Centre failed to provide Erzberger with adequate support during these attacks upon him, and after his resignation he was neglected by the party.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Icon interview makes clear his feelings that he was neglected by that company, even as he became YouTube's biggest channel.

The Guardian - Tech

The Romantic era concluded from the anecdotes of friends that he was neglected and poverty-stricken (although Mr. Gibbs points out that he wasn't really either).

The New York Times - Books

His mother died when he was only nine months old, and he was neglected as a child until an uncle gave him a home and sent him to school.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Charles is allowed no such expression of anger, righteous or oblivious; any fantasies of kingship probably produce guilt in him, even if he was neglected by his mother and left to the bought, unequal love of servants.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He was neglecting the animal, and that wasn't right.

The New Yorker

Baffert says the heart attack told him he was neglecting his health in the fast-paced, high-stress world of racing.

The New York Times - Sports

According to Walter he used to stroke and fondle his chrysanthemums so much that he was neglecting the rest of the garden.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The notion they settled on to humanize the hero was that while Mr. Mandela was making a nation he was neglecting his own family.

The New York Times

His teachers did not approve when they spotted a copy of Pierre Boulez's explosive Second Sonata; they feared that he was neglecting his assigned works.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was neglected", ensure the context clearly specifies the aspect of neglect, whether it's emotional, physical, or social. This adds precision and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "he was neglected" without specifying the area of neglect. Be specific. Saying "he was neglected emotionally" provides more clarity and a stronger impact than simply saying "he was neglected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was neglected" functions as a descriptive statement indicating a passive state of being, where the subject (he) experienced a lack of care or attention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was neglected" effectively communicates a state of insufficient care or attention. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights examples from diverse sources such as news articles, encyclopedias, and online media, showcasing its versatility in describing historical events, personal experiences, and social commentary. While "he was neglected" is appropriate for neutral contexts, being specific about the kind of neglect will improve clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "he was overlooked" or "he was abandoned" may fit better depending on the intended nuance. Choosing a correct alternative will improve the quality of your writing and provide a more descriptive explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was uncared for

Emphasizes a lack of general care and attention.

he was overlooked

Highlights a failure to notice or acknowledge him.

he was ignored

Indicates a lack of acknowledgement or attention.

he was disregarded

Focuses on the act of ignoring his needs or opinions.

he was abandoned

Suggests a complete desertion or forsaking.

he was forsaken

Suggests being abandoned or deserted.

he was deprived of attention

Specifically points out the lack of attentiveness he received.

he lacked proper nurturing

Highlights a deficiency in emotional and developmental support.

he was given short shrift

Implies he was treated dismissively or without due consideration.

he was left wanting

Indicates a state of unfulfilled needs or desires.

FAQs

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

You can use "he was neglected" to describe a situation where someone didn't receive the necessary care or attention. For example, "As a child, he was neglected by his parents."

What are some alternatives to "he was neglected"?

You can use alternatives like "he was overlooked", "he was abandoned", or "he was uncared for", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "he was neglected" or "he suffered neglect"?

Both phrases are correct, but "he suffered neglect" often implies a more severe or prolonged period of being uncared for, whereas "he was neglected" is a more general statement.

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

"He was neglected" implies a lack of necessary care or attention, while "he was ignored" suggests being deliberately overlooked or disregarded, which may not necessarily involve a lack of care.