Cool MateJust ignore that vs Neglect
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Just ignore that
InformalTop 1,000 (very common)
Neglect
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Most formal: NeglectMost common: Just ignore that
| Just ignore that | Neglect | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dʒʌst ɪɡˈnɔː ðæt//🇺🇸 //dʒʌst ɪɡˈnɔr ðæt// | 🇬🇧 //nɪˈɡlɛkt//🇺🇸 //nɪˈɡlɛkt// |
| Meaning | Don't pay attention to that. | To not pay attention to something or someone. |
| Example | When she criticizes your work, just ignore that. | He tends to neglect his health due to his busy schedule. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | just ignore that comment, just ignore that noise, just ignore that person | neglect responsibilities, neglect duties, neglect health, neglect a cause |
| Antonyms | - | care, attend, nurture |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'just' as a limiting word., Incorrectly emphasizing 'ignore' as a command instead of a suggestion. | Confused with 'neglected' as past tense only., Used without an object, neglect must involve something specific., Misuse as a synonym for 'ignore' without understanding the depth. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations; avoid in formal contexts. Suitable when suggesting someone not mind something. | Used in formal and informal contexts; avoid in casual conversation unless discussing serious issues. It's appropriate for discussing responsibilities, care, or attention. |
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Frequently asked questions: Just ignore that vs Neglect
What's the difference between Just ignore that and Neglect?
Just ignore that: Don't pay attention to that. Neglect: To not pay attention to something or someone.
Which is more formal: Just ignore that and Neglect?
Neglect is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Just ignore that and Neglect?
Just ignore that is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Just ignore that: When she criticizes your work, just ignore that. Neglect: He tends to neglect his health due to his busy schedule.
Can I use Just ignore that and Neglect interchangeably?
Not always. Just ignore that and Neglect are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.