simple neglect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simple neglect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is overlooked or not attended to due to a lack of attention or care. Example: "The garden fell into disarray due to simple neglect over the winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Instead, it was probably simple neglect that felled the bridge.

The Guardian

Hoare hints at conspiracy, but simple neglect of an unused government building seems just as likely.

The Guardian - Books

Afghanistan has only a skeletal highway system, and those few roads have been shattered during the last two decades by bombs, mines, tank treads and simple neglect.

The New York Times

Preliminary data showed the crew let the plane's airspeed deteriorate, which could have been equipment failure, mismanagement of automated systems or simple neglect.

The New York Times

At a time of growing threats to the environment and the countryside from development, climate change and simple neglect, it would be remarkably short-sighted for any political party to advocate trimming these budgets even further".

The Guardian

For years, from the takeover by the Communist Party in 1949 until the qualified embrace of market economics in the mid-1980's, old Shanghai survived because of simple neglect -- the party kept the former commercial center poor in an effort to extinguish its capitalist spirit.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

In fact, what people do and discuss at some places, inferring what is happening at the places, cannot be simple neglected because it is the root of human mobility patterns.

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

Report a parent for simple child neglect.

WikiHow

But Transportation Department officials say some start-up problems were as simple as neglecting to use sealer on the concrete floors, so that concrete dust fouled the electronics.

The New York Times

However current design and calibration methods rely on simple models, neglecting key geometrical features, and anthropometric and property variability among patients.

Journal of Biomechanics

Don Lemons's delightful Drawing Physics takes us from Heraclitus to Higgs, from planets to particle physics, from astronomy to atoms, with the aid of simple diagrams a neglected set of cultural artifacts in the history of science.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "simple neglect", ensure the context clearly indicates that the neglect, while perhaps not malicious, has significant consequences. For example, "The historical building crumbled due to simple neglect over many decades".

Common error

Avoid using "simple neglect" when the situation involves intentional harm or malicious intent. The phrase suggests a lack of attention, not a deliberate act of damage.

Linguistic Context

Simple neglect functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe the reason behind a negative outcome. It highlights the lack of care or attention as the primary cause. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in explaining the deterioration of infrastructure, environments, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simple neglect" is a noun phrase used to describe situations where something has deteriorated or failed due to a lack of attention or care. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys the idea that the cause of a problem is a lack of basic attention, rather than something more complex or malicious. When using "simple neglect", consider the context and ensure that it accurately reflects the situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic negligence

Emphasizes a fundamental failure to provide necessary care.

plain oversight

Highlights the act of overlooking something important.

sheer inattention

Focuses on the lack of attention as the primary cause.

casual disregard

Implies a lack of concern or respect.

utter carelessness

Highlights a complete lack of care or caution.

minor dereliction

Suggests a failure to fulfill a duty or obligation.

slight abandonment

Focuses on leaving something unattended or uncared for.

easy disregard

Suggests something is being disregarded easily.

mere forsakenness

Highlights something being forsaken.

rudimentary disregard

Highlights disregard but at a rudimentary or basic level.

FAQs

How can I use "simple neglect" in a sentence?

You can use "simple neglect" to describe situations where something deteriorates or fails due to a lack of attention or care, such as, "The garden fell into disrepair due to "simple neglect"".

What are some alternatives to "simple neglect"?

Alternatives include "basic negligence", "plain oversight", or "sheer inattention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "simple neglect" the same as "negligence"?

"Simple neglect" often implies a less severe form of "negligence", suggesting a lack of attention rather than a deliberate disregard for duty or care. While "negligence" can have legal implications, "simple neglect" may refer to more everyday situations.

When is it appropriate to use "simple neglect" over other similar phrases?

Use "simple neglect" when you want to emphasize that the problem arose from a lack of attention or routine maintenance, rather than from intentional actions or severe incompetence. It suggests an easily avoidable cause.