neglected to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "neglected to read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone failed to read something, often implying a lack of attention or care. Example: "She neglected to read the terms and conditions before signing the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Studio executives hoping for another blockbuster like "Gladiator" neglected to read the script first.

The New York Times

"Michael, in his enthusiasm to promote my book, neglected to read it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He tested positive in 2009 for a steroid found in the male-enhancement product ExtenZe, admitting he neglected to read the fine print on the label of ingredients.

The New York Times - Sports

He had sent the text beforehand to Bülow, who had probably neglected to read it and who defended his master very lamely in the Reichstag.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's perhaps not that strange that Caldwell had neglected to read Ponchaud, given that he had already dismissed the Frenchman's credibility in print.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It may seem obvious to check your mail, but on more than one occasion a student has missed a housing deadline or a summer orientation because she neglected to read her mail or e-mails.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They always neglect to read the part that says the greatest love of all is between two male halves".

The New Yorker

But for audience members who neglect to read that in the program, the only indications will be the mostly modern dress and the I.D. cards that actors wear like lavaliers.

The New York Times

If you neglect to read the directions, you will mess up and ruin the sample.

WikiHow

These are the most common victims of manipulation and exploitation as these people want to believe they are making a difference and sometimes neglect to read fine print or consider the validity of the cause.

WikiHow

By St. Clair McKelway and Russell Maloney The New Yorker, April 17 , 1937P. 17 General Information: In the coatroom of the Yale Club there is a sign reading: "Have you neglected to take home your skiis?" View Article By Rivka Galchen By Jia Tolentino By Malcolm Gladwell By David Remnick.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "neglected to read", ensure the context makes it clear what the person failed to read. For example, "He neglected to read the instructions" is clearer than "He neglected to read."

Common error

Avoid using "neglected to read" when you simply mean someone didn't read something without implying a duty or expectation. For instance, if someone chooses not to read a book for personal reasons, saying they "failed to read" is more appropriate than saying they "neglected to read" it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "neglected to read" functions as a verb phrase indicating a failure or omission in performing the action of reading. Ludwig AI shows that it highlights a lack of attention or responsibility. The examples provided demonstrate its use in various contexts, emphasizing that something should have been read but was not.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "neglected to read" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a failure or omission in reading, implying a lack of attention or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most common in news and media contexts. While similar to "failed to read", it carries a stronger connotation of duty or expectation being unmet. When writing, be mindful to use it when you want to express criticism or highlight a deficiency, and ensure the context clarifies what was not read. Avoid using it in situations where there was no obligation to read in the first place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to read

Emphasizes the lack of reading without necessarily implying a reason.

omitted to read

Highlights the act of leaving out or excluding the reading activity.

overlooked reading

Suggests that the reading was missed due to oversight or inattention.

skipped reading

Implies a deliberate choice to bypass the reading material.

didn't bother to read

Conveys a lack of interest or motivation to engage in reading.

left unread

Focuses on the state of the material remaining unread.

ignored to read

Suggests a conscious decision to disregard the reading material.

avoided reading

Emphasizes the active attempt to stay away from reading the specific material.

forgot to read

Indicates that the failure to read was due to forgetfulness.

missed reading

Highlights the lost opportunity or chance to read.

FAQs

How can I use "neglected to read" in a sentence?

You can use "neglected to read" to indicate that someone failed to read something, often implying a lack of attention or care. For example, "She "neglected to read" the terms and conditions before signing the contract."

What's a simpler alternative to "neglected to read"?

Alternatives include "failed to read", "omitted to read", or "overlooked reading", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What does "neglected to read" imply that "didn't read" doesn't?

"Neglected to read" suggests a responsibility or expectation that was not met, implying a fault or lack of attention, whereas "didn't read" is a neutral statement of fact. For example saying she "didn't read the email" doesn't imply that she had a duty to read it.

Is it appropriate to use "neglected to read" in formal writing?

Yes, "neglected to read" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you want to convey that someone failed to fulfill an obligation or duty to read something important. The phrase is most common in "news and media", encyclopedias, and wiki articles.