we overlooked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we overlooked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging that something was missed or not noticed in a previous context or discussion. Example: "In our last meeting, we overlooked the budget constraints that were crucial for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And we overlooked Trials Evolution.

The Guardian - Tech

"And we overlooked a beautiful, classic pond".

The New Yorker

Perhaps a gym room that we overlooked?

The New York Times

Perhaps we overlooked the warning signs.

The New York Times

Have we overlooked some source of revenue previously untapped?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Here are some of the worth-checking-out books we overlooked this year.

University of California, Berkeley

(To my lasting regret, we overlooked one of Nadine Gordimer's best novels, July's People).

The Guardian - Books

I honestly thought we overlooked Baltimore because of their record, because we were so strong.

The New York Times - Sports

NO. 9 KENT STATE We overlooked the Rebels last year and won't make the same mistake.

The New York Times

From the comfortable wicker chairs on our porch, we overlooked the spectacular gardens and swimming pool.

The New York Times - Travel

We overlooked their mistakes and turned our backs when they ignored wisdom for political gain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we overlooked", ensure the context clearly indicates what was missed and why it matters. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we overlooked" without clearly specifying who 'we' refers to. Always ensure the audience understands the group or entity that made the oversight to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we overlooked" functions as a verb phrase expressing a past action of failing to notice or consider something important. It typically introduces an admission of an oversight or mistake. This is reflected in the examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase is used to acknowledge missed details, warnings, or aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we overlooked" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase employed to acknowledge a past oversight or failure to notice something important. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While highly versatile, ensuring clarity in pronoun reference is crucial to prevent ambiguity. For situations where "we overlooked" doesn't quite fit, alternatives like "we missed" or "we failed to notice" can offer nuanced expressions of the same core idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we missed

A more direct and simpler way to express that something was not noticed.

we failed to notice

Emphasizes the failure to perceive something important.

we neglected

Highlights a lack of attention or care toward something.

we disregarded

Suggests a conscious decision to ignore something, rather than a simple oversight.

we underestimated

Focuses on misjudging the importance or impact of something.

we brushed aside

Implies a dismissive attitude towards something.

we took lightly

Similar to 'brushed aside', indicating a lack of seriousness.

we skipped over

Suggests moving past something without giving it proper attention.

we passed over

Similar to 'skipped over', implying a deliberate choice to ignore.

we lost sight of

Indicates a gradual forgetting or de-prioritization of something.

FAQs

How can I use "we overlooked" in a sentence?

Use "we overlooked" to acknowledge a past oversight. For example, "We overlooked the importance of regular maintenance, which led to the equipment failure."

What can I say instead of "we overlooked"?

You can use alternatives like "we missed", "we failed to notice", or "we neglected depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we overlooked" or "we ignored"?

"We overlooked" implies a lack of awareness or attention, while "we ignored" suggests a deliberate choice to disregard something. The best choice depends on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "we overlooked" and "we missed"?

"We missed" is a general term for not noticing something. "We overlooked" often implies a more significant oversight or a failure to appreciate the importance of something. While you can replace /s/we+missed, the context might need a small revision.