we overlooked this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we overlooked this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging that something was missed or not noticed in a previous discussion or analysis. Example: "After reviewing the report, we realized that we overlooked this important detail that could impact our findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Our design team checks all packaging very carefully before it's used on any of our products, and we carry out regular reviews, but apparently we overlooked this mistake.

The Guardian

No study explicitly addressed researcher reflexivity, but we overlooked this.

Drugs and Aging

This was the reason that we overlooked this ligand in the first place.

eLife

During the preparation of the manuscript, we overlooked this incorrect comparison and we would like to thank the reviewers for raising this issue.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's not particularly tasteful, but we overlook this because it has almost everything, including groceries, at prices reminiscent of the 1970's.

The New York Times

The appointment was approved by the Miami Beach City Commission anyway, although one commissioner, who stated that the police chief ought to be "above suspicion," did say, "I don't think we're putting our city in an enviable position when we overlook this".

The New Yorker

Why do we overlook this?

Huffington Post

But in our rush for improvement, we overlook this key fact: Much of what makes marriage challenging is the stuff that's not easily changed.

Huffington Post

Naturally this entails a description of entities in reality; it also, however, entails a description of science, and it entails compromise; we overlook this to our peril.

Plosone

During the extravaganzafest known as the iPhone launch, we somehow overlooked this AT&T purchase.

TechCrunch

"The important part of the work is that we've overlooked this as a source.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we overlooked this", ensure the context clearly identifies what "this" refers to. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we overlooked this" without explicitly stating or clearly implying what was overlooked. Lack of clarity diminishes the impact of the statement and can confuse the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we overlooked this" functions as a statement of acknowledgment, admitting a past oversight. It often introduces an explanation or correction, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples where design flaws, incorrect comparisons, or important data points were initially missed. It serves to take ownership of the mistake.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we overlooked this" is a grammatically sound phrase used to acknowledge an oversight. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to admit a past mistake and set the stage for a correction or further explanation. While suitable for various contexts, it is most frequently found in news, media, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly defining what "this" refers to. Alternatives include "we missed this" or "we failed to notice this", offering subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we missed this

Replaces "overlooked" with "missed", offering a simpler and more direct way to express the oversight.

we failed to notice this

Substitutes "overlooked" with "failed to notice", emphasizing a lack of awareness.

we didn't realize this

Focuses on the absence of realization, highlighting a cognitive aspect of the oversight.

this escaped our attention

Presents the oversight as something that passively avoided their awareness, using a more formal tone.

we were unaware of this

Highlights a lack of knowledge, specifying that they didn't know about "this".

we neglected to consider this

Replaces "overlooked" with "neglected to consider", suggesting a failure to give due thought.

we disregarded this

Implies a conscious, though perhaps unintentional, setting aside of "this".

this slipped our minds

Indicates a momentary lapse of memory, using an idiomatic expression.

we didn't account for this

Emphasizes the lack of planning or preparation for something.

we underestimated this

Suggests that "this" was considered, but its significance was not fully appreciated.

FAQs

What does "we overlooked this" mean?

The phrase "we overlooked this" means that a group or individual failed to notice, consider, or properly address a particular detail, fact, or issue. It's an admission of an oversight.

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

You can use "we overlooked this" to acknowledge a mistake or omission. For instance, "After a second review, we realized "we overlooked this" critical piece of data that significantly alters our conclusions."

What are some alternatives to saying "we overlooked this"?

Alternatives include "we missed this", "we failed to notice this", or "we didn't realize this", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "we overlooked this" formal or informal?

"We overlooked this" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, you might prefer a more precise or elaborate phrasing, like "this escaped our attention".