ignore the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ignore the issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to not pay attention to a particular problem or concern. Example: "In this discussion, we will focus on solutions, so please ignore the issue of budget constraints for now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The league did not ignore the issue.

The New York Times - Sports

And yet most news organizations largely ignore the issue".

The New York Times

We can ignore the issue and our own mortality.

The Guardian - Opinion

The government tries to ignore the issue but a campaigning newspaper takes up the cause.

The Economist

The first is to ignore the issue -- always a favorite choice in Washington.

The New York Times

This makes it easier for the Indian government to ignore the issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

But those of us who believe strongly that we need to remain can't ignore the issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the name of the easy reductive answer, however, the popular media in all their forms mostly ignore the issue.

The New York Times

As with most negative externalities, it's easier for people to ignore the issue than deal with it.

The New Yorker

We cannot afford to continue to ignore the issue of day laborers and must begin to address it yesterday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But that doesn't mean the commission is going to ignore the issue.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ignore the issue" in formal writing, ensure the context makes it clear why the issue is being ignored. Is it for strategic reasons, or due to negligence? Clarity is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "ignore the issue" when you actually mean to address the issue later. Ignoring something temporarily is different from neglecting it altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ignore the issue" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate act of neglecting or overlooking a specific problem or subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly correct to be used. The examples in Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting different reasons for ignoring an issue, from strategic decisions to negligence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ignore the issue" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of neglecting a problem or subject. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and business settings. While generally carrying a negative connotation, its usage can sometimes reflect a strategic decision. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the reason for ignoring the issue is evident to the reader. Alternatives such as "disregard the problem" or "overlook the matter" can provide a more formal tone, while understanding the nuances between "avoid the subject" and "ignore the issue" will refine your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disregard the problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem", slightly shifting the focus from a general matter to a specific difficulty.

overlook the matter

Uses "overlook" instead of "ignore", suggesting a more passive form of not paying attention.

avoid the subject

Focuses on evading discussion or consideration of a particular topic.

brush aside the concern

Implies a dismissal of something that should be taken seriously.

sidestep the question

Suggests skillfully avoiding a direct response or engagement with an issue.

turn a blind eye to the situation

Indicates a deliberate choice not to acknowledge something, often something negative.

pay no attention to the detail

Emphasizes a lack of focus on a specific element of a larger situation.

neglect the concern

Focuses more on a lack of care or attention towards the issue.

shrug off the matter

Suggests a dismissive or indifferent attitude towards something.

downplay the significance

Reduces the perceived importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "ignore the issue" in a sentence?

You can use "ignore the issue" to suggest that a problem or topic is being deliberately overlooked. For example, "The government tried to "ignore the issue", but a campaigning newspaper took up the cause."

What's a more formal alternative to "ignore the issue"?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "overlook the matter" or "disregard the problem" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is it always negative to "ignore the issue"?

While often negative, "ignore the issue" can sometimes be a strategic choice. It depends on the context. Sometimes addressing an issue can be more damaging than temporarily setting it aside. However, always evaluate if "neglecting the concern" is really the best option.

What's the difference between "avoid the subject" and "ignore the issue"?

"Avoid the subject" implies actively steering clear of a topic, while "ignore the issue" suggests a passive lack of attention or action toward a problem.