Cool MateLet too many things go by vs Overlook
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Let too many things go by
Top 3,000 (common)
Overlook
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Overlook
| Let too many things go by | Overlook | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //lɛt tuː ˈmɛni θɪŋz ɡoʊ baɪ//🇺🇸 //lɛt tuː ˈmɛni θɪŋz ɡoʊ baɪ// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌəʊvəˈlʊk/","/ˌəʊvəˈlʊks/","/ˌəʊvəˈlʊkt/","/ˌəʊvəˈlʊkɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌəʊvərˈlʊk/","/ˌəʊvərˈlʊks/","/ˌəʊvərˈlʊkt/","/ˌəʊvərˈlʊkɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To overlook or ignore too many things. | To not notice something or to ignore it. |
| Example | If we let too many things go by, we might miss our chance for success. | From the hilltop, you can overlook the entire city in the distance. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | let opportunities go by, let chances go by, let moments go by | completely, entirely, largely, cannot, cannot afford to, should not, be easily overlooked, something should not be overlooked, completely, entirely, largely, cannot, cannot afford to, should not, be easily overlooked, something should not be overlooked |
| Antonyms | - | notice, acknowledge, spot |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'let too few things go by'., Using in overly formal writing., Misplacing the context of action versus inaction. | 'Overlook' used as a noun instead of a verb., Confusing 'overlook' with 'oversee', which means to supervise., Using 'overlook' with an incorrect preposition (e.g. 'overlook at something'). |
| Usage notes | This phrase is often used in casual conversation when discussing missed opportunities or being passive. It may not be suitable for very formal contexts. | Commonly used when referring to missed details or ignoring responsibilities. Appropriate in both written and spoken English. Generally not used in very formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Let too many things go by vs Overlook
What's the difference between Let too many things go by and Overlook?
Let too many things go by: To overlook or ignore too many things. Overlook: To not notice something or to ignore it.
Which is more common: Let too many things go by and Overlook?
Overlook is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Let too many things go by: If we let too many things go by, we might miss our chance for success. Overlook: From the hilltop, you can overlook the entire city in the distance.
Can I use Let too many things go by and Overlook interchangeably?
Not always. Let too many things go by and Overlook 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.