was ignored

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was ignored" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something did not receive attention or consideration in a particular context. Example: "Despite her efforts to contribute, her suggestions were ignored during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Bad news was ignored".

The New Yorker

This, too, was ignored.

The New York Times

But he was ignored.

The New York Times - Magazine

That advice was ignored.

The New York Times

His memo was ignored.

The New Yorker

Again it was ignored.

Independent

It was ignored.

The New York Times

Initially, he was ignored.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"They were being ignored".

The New York Times

Practicalities were ignored.

The New York Times

Petitions were ignored.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was ignored" in passive constructions to emphasize the object or action rather than the actor, especially when the actor is unknown or irrelevant. For example: "The warning signs were ignored, leading to the accident."

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "was ignored" as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Sometimes, it is better to use an active voice construction to specify who did the ignoring. Example: Instead of "The request was ignored", consider "The manager ignored the request".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was ignored" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence received no attention or consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

22%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was ignored" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, indicating a lack of attention or consideration. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is particularly prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct, overusing the passive voice should be avoided for stronger, more direct writing. Related phrases such as "was overlooked" and "went unnoticed" offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the intended meaning. Use "was ignored" judiciously to emphasize the object of the action and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was disregarded

Highlights the act of consciously not paying attention to something.

was overlooked

Emphasizes a failure to see or consider something, often unintentionally.

was neglected

Suggests a lack of care or attention that something deserved.

was unheeded

Implies a failure to listen or pay attention to advice or a warning.

went unnoticed

Focuses on the lack of observation rather than deliberate disregard.

was dismissed

Conveys a sense of rejection or not taking something seriously.

was brushed aside

Indicates a quick and often dismissive rejection of something.

received no attention

Highlights the lack of focus or consideration given to something.

was set aside

Similar to being brushed aside, with greater emphasis on being postponed or deferred.

was passed over

Suggests a deliberate choice to ignore in favor of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "was ignored" in a sentence?

You can use "was ignored" to indicate that something or someone did not receive attention or consideration. For example: "Despite her efforts to contribute, her suggestions "were ignored" during the meeting."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "was ignored"?

You can use alternatives such as "was overlooked", "was disregarded", or "went unnoticed" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "was ignored" or an active voice construction?

Using "was ignored" in the passive voice is appropriate when the actor is unknown or unimportant. However, using an active voice construction can make your writing more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The report was ignored", you might say "The committee ignored the report".

What is the difference between "was ignored" and "was overlooked"?

"Was ignored" implies a deliberate act of not paying attention, while "was overlooked" suggests that something was missed unintentionally. The choice between the two depends on whether the lack of attention was intentional or accidental.