to be overlooked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be overlooked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is not noticed or considered, often unintentionally. Example: "In the rush to complete the project, some important details were to be overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Women continue to be overlooked.

The Washington Post

BID almost asks to be overlooked.

The New York Times - Food

Or does it simply mean to be overlooked?

The New Yorker

Tomlin knows how it feels to be overlooked.

The New York Times

Notes seem to beg, by every standard, to be overlooked.

The New Yorker

The enormous benefits this brings tend to be overlooked.

The Economist

He will therefore consider himself unfortunate to be overlooked.

The Guardian - Sport

"I fear that it's going to be overlooked".

The New Yorker

"If you lived there, you're going to be overlooked.

The Guardian

Not to be overlooked is the psychological component.

The New York Times - Sports

His shyness is not to be overlooked, either.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be overlooked", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being missed or ignored, and why it matters.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice constructions with "to be overlooked", as it can make your writing sound weak or vague. Try rephrasing to emphasize the active subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be overlooked" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state where something is likely or destined not to receive attention, implying a potential for negative consequences or missed opportunities, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be overlooked" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to indicate that something risks being missed or ignored. According to Ludwig, it's versatile across different communication styles, with frequent usage in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being overlooked and consider alternative phrasings to avoid overuse of passive voice. The AI confirms the usability of the phrase, highlighting its role in warning against potential oversights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to go unnoticed

Focuses on the lack of observation.

to be disregarded

Suggests a deliberate act of ignoring something.

to be ignored

Emphasizes the lack of attention or consideration.

to be missed

Implies a sense of loss because something was not noticed.

to be underestimated

Highlights the undervaluing of something's importance or potential.

to be downplayed

Suggests an attempt to minimize the importance of something.

to be undervalued

Emphasizes the insufficient appreciation of something's worth.

to be unacknowledged

Indicates a lack of recognition.

to escape notice

Highlights the act of evading awareness or attention.

to slip through the cracks

Suggests something is missed due to system failures.

FAQs

How can I use "to be overlooked" in a sentence?

You can use "to be overlooked" to indicate that something is not noticed or considered. For example, "Important details are likely "to be overlooked" if the review process is rushed."

What are some alternatives to "to be overlooked"?

Alternatives include "to go unnoticed", "to be ignored", or "to be missed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "overlooked" or "to be overlooked"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Overlooked" can function as an adjective (e.g., "an overlooked detail"), while "to be overlooked" is a verb phrase, typically used in passive constructions (e.g., "the detail was to be overlooked").

What does it mean when something is "to be overlooked"?

It means that something is likely or destined not to be noticed, considered, or given due attention, potentially resulting in negative consequences or missed opportunities.