was not heeded

USAGE SUMMARY

'was not heeded' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to imply that someone did not listen to advice or a warning. For example, "The environmental expert's warnings about the consequences of climate change were not heeded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Her interruption was not heeded.

The New York Times

"Our warning was not heeded".

The Guardian

But his advice was not heeded.

Independent

But that advice was not heeded, the aide said.

The New York Times

Needless to say that call was not heeded.

Independent

He left disillusioned that their advice was not heeded.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Hopper's advice wasn't heeded, though.

The Guardian - Film

Their request wasn't heeded, and within thirty years many African-American women had moved on to more lucrative positions.

The New Yorker

Clearly the warning wasn't heeded as St Mirren recorded a famous and thoroughly deserved, victory.

BBC

Sign up for Thisbest of VICE, delivered to your inewx datay.

Vice

It's good advice, but wasn't heeded by the Swedish tourist who tried to sneak up on a crocodile and got slapped in the face.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was not heeded" when you want to emphasize that a specific piece of advice, a warning, or a call for action was consciously ignored, often leading to negative consequences. This implies a degree of responsibility or negligence on the part of those who failed to listen.

Common error

Avoid using "was not heeded" in very informal or casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "ignored" or "didn't listen" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted in everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not heeded" functions as a passive construction indicating that an action, suggestion, or warning was ignored or disregarded. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. This phrase typically connects a statement or action with its lack of impact or effect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not heeded" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that advice, a warning, or a request was ignored, often with negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific and encyclopedic sources. When writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "was ignored" in informal settings. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and implies a degree of responsibility on the part of those who disregarded the advice or warning. Avoid overuse in casual conversation, where more straightforward language is preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went unheeded

A direct synonym, maintaining the same structure and emphasis on ignoring a warning or advice.

was ignored

A simpler, more direct way of saying something wasn't listened to or acted upon.

was disregarded

Highlights the act of actively dismissing something, suggesting a conscious decision to ignore.

was not acted upon

Focuses on the lack of action taken as a result of the advice or warning.

fell on deaf ears

An idiomatic expression meaning advice or warnings were ignored, emphasizing a lack of receptiveness.

was paid no attention

Emphasizes the lack of focus or consideration given to something.

went unacknowledged

Indicates a lack of recognition or response; it shifts the focus to acknowledgement rather than adherence.

was given no weight

Indicates the advice or warning was not considered important or influential.

was overlooked

Suggests something was missed or not given proper attention, often unintentionally.

was taken lightly

Suggests the advice or warning was not treated seriously, implying a lack of concern.

FAQs

How can I use "was not heeded" in a sentence?

Use "was not heeded" to indicate that advice, a warning, or a request was ignored. For example, "The doctor's advice about quitting smoking "was not heeded", and his health deteriorated."

What's a more straightforward way to say "was not heeded"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "was ignored" or "went unheeded". The choice depends on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

What is the difference between "was not heeded" and "was not heard"?

"Was not heard" suggests that the information didn't reach the intended recipient, possibly due to a lack of communication or attention. "Was not heeded", on the other hand, implies the information was received and understood but consciously disregarded.

Can "was not heeded" be used in a positive context?

Generally, "was not heeded" carries a negative connotation, implying a failure to act on sound advice or warnings. It's rarely used in a positive sense.