neglect something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "neglect something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of failing to care for or pay attention to something. Example: "If you neglect your health, it can lead to serious consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"There has been trauma, abuse, neglect, something that is going on," Ms. Lloyd said.

The New York Times

On the other hand, to fail to address the fact that the proposition in question is intuitive that it is the content of an intuiting is, it seems, to neglect something important about one's apparent justification for believing the proposition.

SEP

We routinely squander and neglect something we would hate to have taken from us, and would surely fight to prevent someone taking from our loved ones.

HuffPost

One of such issues, says Mohamed, is child abuse and neglect, something he had experienced himself.

Unicef

More recently, Sima (2014 §6.4) has argued that his computer simulation model of the enactive theory of imagery is well adapted to the incorporation of a principled, neurologically realistic simulation of representational neglect, something that Bartolomeo (2002) doubts is possible for models based upon pictorial or description theories.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But, in retrospect, we neglected something important.

The New York Times

The sort of sound you associate with something neglected, something struggling not to break.

The Guardian

What does it mean to feel the pain of neglecting something that feels no pain at being neglected?

The Washington Post

Analyses of Chris Christie's appeal are neglecting something: He has fun seeking and wielding power, and his fun is infectious.

The Washington Post

The secret truth, especially applicable to email, is that neglecting something for a few days often makes it go away entirely: people find alternative solutions to their problems.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Dam safety was a kind of a poster child for what can happen if government neglects something important," Mr. Tierney said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of intentionality implied. If the failure to attend to something is deliberate, alternatives like "disregard" or "ignore" may be more appropriate than "neglect".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the repercussions of neglecting something. While it's important to highlight the potential negative outcomes, ensure they align with the actual severity of the neglect. Overly dramatic consequences can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "neglect something" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "neglect" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("something"). Ludwig examples show its use in describing a failure to attend to or care for a particular entity or issue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "neglect something" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a failure to care for or pay attention to a particular object, issue, or responsibility. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It frequently appears in neutral contexts like news articles, as well as in more formal settings such as scientific and business publications. When using this expression, ensure you are explicit about what is being neglected and the potential consequences, and be aware of alternative phrases like "overlook something" or "disregard something" that might better suit the intended nuance. Finally, be cautious about overstating the consequences to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overlook something

Focuses on the act of missing or failing to notice something, rather than a deliberate act of neglect.

disregard something

Implies a conscious decision to ignore something, suggesting a stronger level of intentionality than "neglect".

fail to address something

Highlights the lack of attention or action towards a specific issue or matter.

omit something

Emphasizes the act of leaving something out or excluding it, often unintentionally.

ignore something

Signifies a deliberate choice to pay no attention to something.

oversee something

Similar to overlook, but can also mean to supervise, adding potential confusion depending on context.

shirk something

Specifically refers to avoiding a duty or responsibility.

abandon something

Implies a complete relinquishment or desertion of something.

slight something

Indicates treating something with disrespect or insufficient attention.

default on something

Refers to failing to fulfill an obligation or commitment regarding something.

FAQs

What does it mean to "neglect something"?

To "neglect something" means to fail to care for it properly, to not pay enough attention to it, or to disregard it. This can lead to negative consequences depending on what is being neglected.

What can I say instead of "neglect something"?

You can use alternatives like "overlook something", "disregard something", or "fail to address something" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "neglect something" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "neglect something" when you want to express that someone or something is not receiving the necessary attention or care, often resulting in negative consequences. For example, "If you neglect your health, it can lead to serious problems."

What is the difference between "neglect something" and "ignore something"?

"Neglect something" implies a lack of attention or care, potentially unintentional, while "ignore something" suggests a deliberate choice to pay no attention. The intention is the key difference.