neglected to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "neglected to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone failed to do something or overlooked a task. Example: "She neglected to inform her supervisor about the meeting changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But she neglected to take careful measurements.

The New York Times

She neglected to cool the mark out.

The New Yorker

I neglected to say "thin-skinned".

The New York Times

They just neglected to play defense.

The New York Times - Sports

He had neglected to pull the pin.

The New York Times - Magazine

He neglected to mention Dryden.

The New York Times

They neglected to write a story.

The New York Times

Had someone neglected to change it?

The New York Times

Morgan neglected to touch home plate and was called out.

The New York Times

Our founders neglected to consider such a provision.

The New York Times

The rational beings, however, neglected to adore God and fell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "neglected to", ensure that the context clearly indicates the consequence or impact of the omission. This provides a stronger understanding for the reader.

Common error

While "neglected to" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "forgot to" or "didn't" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

"Neglected to" functions as a verb phrase that indicates a failure or omission to perform a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and example sentences illustrate its use in describing oversights or neglected duties. The structure is typically followed by a verb indicating the action that was not performed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "neglected to" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a failure to perform an action, often implying a degree of carelessness or oversight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently found in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedia and scientific writings. While it can sometimes sound overly formal in casual conversation, understanding its nuances and appropriate alternatives such as "failed to" or "forgot to" can enhance your writing. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the implied consequences of the omitted action to provide clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to

Indicates a lack of success in achieving something; often interchangeable with "neglected to" but can imply a stronger sense of inability.

omitted to

Suggests something was left out or excluded, either intentionally or unintentionally. More formal than "neglected to".

overlooked

Suggests a failure to notice or consider something. Similar in meaning but shorter and more direct.

forgot to

Implies a lack of remembrance or awareness. Less formal than "neglected to".

disregarded to

Similar to ignored but with a slightly stronger sense of intention. More formal.

didn't bother to

Indicates a lack of motivation or willingness to perform an action. Carries a slightly negative connotation.

missed to

Implies the losing of an opportunity to do something

shirked

Implies avoidance of a duty or responsibility. More specific in its application.

passed over

Similar to overlooked but suggests a more deliberate overlooking of something or someone. May not always be interchangeable.

avoided

Suggests intentional action to prevent doing something, may not be directly interchangeable.

FAQs

What is the best way to use "neglected to" in a sentence?

Use "neglected to" when you want to express that someone failed to do something, often due to carelessness or oversight. For example: "She "neglected to water" the plants, and they died."

What can I say instead of "neglected to"?

You can use alternatives like "failed to", "forgot to", or "omitted to" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "neglected to" or "failed to"?

Both "neglected to" and "failed to" are correct, but "neglected to" often implies a lack of attention or care, while "failed to" simply indicates a lack of success. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "neglected to" and "overlooked"?

"Neglected to" implies a failure to act, while "overlooked" suggests a failure to notice or consider something. For instance, you might neglect to send an email, or overlook an important detail in a document.