overlook it

USAGE SUMMARY

"overlook it" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrasal verb that can be used to mean either to ignore or to fail to see something. For example, "He was so distracted that he overlooked it when she said goodbye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

8. Though, in an earlier version of this essay, I managed to completely overlook it, its obviousness notwithstanding.

SEP

They'd try to overlook it.

The New Yorker

Do not overlook it.

The New York Times

I try to overlook it".

The New York Times - Arts

"We couldn't say we'll just overlook it".

The Guardian

"We have to overlook it," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

They overlook it to their loss.

The Guardian

That does not mean he will overlook it.

The New York Times - Science

The Campaign Finance Board has chosen to overlook it".

The New York Times

In theory, they haven't any right to be there, but the police seem to overlook it.

The New Yorker

These days invaders tend to overlook it, heading instead to nearby Barcelona.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overlook it", ensure the context makes it clear whether you mean to ignore something intentionally or fail to notice it unintentionally. The intended meaning can significantly alter the message.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clarifying whether you are deliberately ignoring something or simply failing to notice it. Use additional context to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overlook it" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It's used to describe either a failure to notice something or a deliberate decision to ignore something. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate both usages across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overlook it" is a versatile phrasal verb that can mean either to fail to notice something or to deliberately ignore it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its meaning depends heavily on context, and writers should be mindful to provide enough clarity to avoid ambiguity. Common contexts include news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "disregard it" or "neglect it" exist, the specific choice should reflect the intended nuance of either unintentional oversight or intentional dismissal. Understanding these subtleties helps ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underplay it

Focuses on minimizing the apparent significance of something.

dismiss it

Emphasizes rejecting something as unworthy of consideration.

trivialize it

Emphasizes reducing the importance or significance of something.

underestimate it

Indicates failing to properly assess the extent, value or importance of something.

underrate it

Indicates failing to appreciate the true value or importance of something.

bypass it

Focuses on going around or avoiding something.

forgive it

Highlights the act of pardoning or excusing a fault or offense.

neglect it

Emphasizes failing to care for something properly.

omit it

Focuses on leaving something out or excluding it intentionally.

forget it

Highlights completely failing to remember something.

FAQs

How can I use "overlook it" in a sentence?

You can use "overlook it" to mean either to ignore something intentionally, as in "The manager chose to overlook it", or to fail to notice something, as in "I didn't realize I was supposed to call earlier and I just completely overlooked it".

What can I say instead of "overlook it"?

You can use alternatives like "disregard it", "neglect it", or "miss it", depending on the specific context and intended meaning.

Is it better to "overlook it" or address it?

Whether to "overlook it" or address an issue depends on its significance. Minor issues might be "overlooked" to maintain harmony, while critical problems require immediate attention to prevent escalation.

What's the difference between "overlook it" and "ignore it"?

"Overlook it" can imply either a failure to notice something or a conscious decision to disregard it. "Ignore it", on the other hand, typically implies a deliberate choice to pay no attention to something.