neglect to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "neglect to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to failing to perform a specific action or task. Example: "He tends to neglect to do his homework, which affects his grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Many players neglect to do that, he said, because they "feel a sense of invincibility".

The New York Times

People who neglect to do the paperwork may believe they cannot vote.

The New York Times

It's easy to blame apathy, but often people neglect to do the right thing because they're confused.

The New York Times

Rent from the local councils and you share the revenue and depend upon the municipality to modernize it, or more often neglect to do so.

The New York Times - Sports

First, snap off the bottoms at the point where they break naturally, then pare off those unpleasant spiky little triangles along the sides -- something many neglect to do.

The New York Times - Food

That's the good thing about hosting the Games -- governments are forced to do things they normally wouldn't or neglect to do".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

And then what else he neglected to do.

The New York Times

The government has neglected to do proper impact studies, they say.

The New York Times

Avie went home and wrote thank you notes, which she had been neglecting to do.

The New Yorker

We've mastered fuel-efficient vehicles, but we've neglected to do the same for our buildings.

The New York Times

Ms. Cho deploys suspense expertly, revealing bit by bit, for example, exactly what Isaac neglected to do in Hawaii.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "neglect to do" when you want to emphasize a sense of duty or expectation that was not met. It implies more than just forgetting; it suggests a lack of care or attention.

Common error

Avoid using "neglect to do" simply as a synonym for "forget to do". "Neglect" carries a stronger connotation of responsibility or obligation being ignored, while "forget" simply implies a memory lapse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "neglect to do" functions as a verb phrase indicating a failure or omission to perform an action. It often carries a connotation of responsibility or duty being unfulfilled. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "neglect to do" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression signifying the failure to perform an action, frequently due to carelessness or a disregard for duty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most common in news and media, wiki, and scientific contexts. While similar to "fail to do" or "forget to do", "neglect to do" carries a stronger implication of responsibility being ignored. When writing, it's important to use the phrase when this sense of obligation is relevant, avoiding it simply as a direct synonym for "forget". When used correctly, the phrase is a powerful tool for conveying criticism or concern regarding unfulfilled expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to do

More direct and common, simply stating a lack of action.

omit to do

More formal and emphasizes the act of leaving something out intentionally or unintentionally.

forget to do

Highlights the unintentional aspect of not performing the action.

overlook doing

Suggests a failure to notice the importance of performing the action.

shirk from doing

Implies an avoidance of responsibility in performing the action.

decline to do

Suggests a conscious decision not to perform the action.

avoid doing

Highlights the intentional effort to not perform the action.

refrain from doing

Emphasizes self-control in not performing the action.

leave undone

Passive construction, focusing on the state of the action not being completed.

be remiss in doing

Highlights negligence and dereliction of duty.

FAQs

What does "neglect to do" mean?

The phrase "neglect to do" means to fail to do something out of carelessness or a lack of attention, often when there is an expectation or obligation to do it.

What can I say instead of "neglect to do"?

You can use alternatives like "fail to do", "omit to do", or "forget to do" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "neglected doing" instead of "neglect to do"?

While grammatically possible in some contexts, "neglected doing" (gerund form) changes the meaning. "Neglect to do" implies failing to perform an action. "Neglected doing" implies poorly performing or disregarding an action already in progress. For example, "He neglected to water the plants" vs. "He neglected watering the plants".

What is the difference between "neglect to do" and "fail to do"?

"Neglect to do" emphasizes a sense of duty or responsibility that was ignored, whereas "fail to do" is a more neutral term simply indicating a lack of success in performing an action. "Neglect" carries a stronger negative connotation.