neglected children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "neglected children" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to children who have not received proper care, attention, or support, often in contexts related to social services, child welfare, or education. Example: "The organization focuses on providing resources and support for neglected children in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Families are divided, homes are neglected, children are hungry.

University of California, Berkeley

Shudder for his weeping ex-wives, and neglected children.

The Guardian - Books

We have two children — neglected children we adopted.

The New York Times

What's supposed to happen when today's neglected children become tomorrow's work force?

The New York Times

Tuterow talked with her husband about starting a shelter for abandoned and neglected children.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many of the deaths of neglected children were linked to parental alcohol and drug abuse.

The Guardian

Severely neglected children have been found to have smaller prefrontal cortexes, an area of the brain that supports executive function.

Harvard University

This study shows that for neglected children, additional abuse may not additively accumulate risk when considering intelligence outcomes.

Child Abuse & Neglect

Breakfast and after-school clubs are closing, leaving neglected children without the second home that schools were becoming.

The Guardian - Opinion

Glimpses of the home lives of faculty members and students portray miserable, loveless families and neglected children.

The New York Times

The program uses staff members, volunteers and lawyers to provide courtroom representation and advocacy for abused, abandoned and neglected children.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "neglected children", provide specific details about the type of neglect (e.g., emotional, physical, educational) to add clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "neglected children" as a blanket term. Instead, specify the context and type of neglect to provide a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of their situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "neglected children" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "neglected" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "children". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct. The examples show it describing a state of being or identifying a specific group of children.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "neglected children" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as supported by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, primarily used to raise awareness and advocate for the well-being of children who lack proper care. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, academic research, and formal discussions. While alternatives like "abandoned children" or "uncared-for children" exist, specifying the type of neglect adds clarity to your writing. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing the term and provide context for a more accurate portrayal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandoned children

Focuses on the act of abandonment rather than the state of neglect.

uncared-for children

Emphasizes the lack of care provided to the children.

disadvantaged children

Highlights the unfavorable circumstances affecting the children's development.

vulnerable children

Points to the children's susceptibility to harm due to their circumstances.

at-risk children

Indicates that the children are in a situation that could lead to negative outcomes.

children in need

Broadly describes children requiring assistance.

deprived children

Stresses the lack of essential resources and opportunities.

maltreated children

Encompasses various forms of mistreatment, including neglect.

unattended children

Focuses specifically on the lack of supervision.

children without support

Highlights the absence of necessary support systems.

FAQs

What are some signs that a child is being neglected?

Signs of neglect can include poor hygiene, inadequate clothing, consistent hunger, lack of medical or dental care, and emotional withdrawal. These signs often indicate that a child's basic needs are not being met.

What can I say instead of "neglected children"?

You can use alternatives like "abandoned children", "uncared-for children", or "disadvantaged children" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

How does neglect affect children's development?

Neglect can significantly impact children's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. It can lead to developmental delays, attachment issues, and increased risk of mental health problems.

What resources are available for neglected children?

Various resources exist to support neglected children, including child protective services, foster care programs, and community-based organizations that provide food, shelter, and counseling services.