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Prepositions after verbs

Neglect by vs. neglect in

Neglect by usually appears in passive expressions, while neglect in refers to an area or activity where care is lacking.

Quick answer

Using by and in with neglect

Neglect by is mainly used in passive structures such as neglected by parents. Neglect in refers to the area where neglect happens, such as neglect in education.

The child was neglected by relatives.
There was serious neglect in patient care.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
neglected by + person

Showing who failed to care

By identifies the responsible person in passive clauses.

The building was neglected by the owners.
2
neglect in + area

Showing the area of failure

In introduces the field or activity where attention is lacking.

Experts reported neglect in public services.
3
neglect of + noun

Naming what lacks attention

Of commonly follows the noun neglect.

The report described neglect of safety standards.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
neglect by
The animals were neglected by their keeper.
passive structure showing the responsible party
neglect in
There was neglect in financial planning.
lack of care in an area or activity
neglect of
Neglect of duty can lead to penalties.
noun pattern identifying what was ignored

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using by in active voice

By normally belongs in passive constructions.

✕ They neglected by the staff. ✓ The staff neglected them.

Confusing in and of

In refers to an area; of names the neglected thing.

✕ Neglect in duty is serious. ✓ Neglect of duty is serious.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The property was neglected ___ its owners.
2. The report found neglect ___ elderly care.
3. Neglect ___ safety rules can cause accidents.

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Frequently asked questions

Is neglect by correct?

Yes, especially in passive constructions such as neglected by parents.

What does neglect in mean?

It refers to a field or area where proper care or attention is missing.

Can neglect be a noun and a verb?

Yes. Both forms are common in English.

nag, at, nag, for, nag, about "narrate by", "narrate from" or "narrate on"? "navigate to" or "navigate through"? necessitate by, at, after, because or due? negate by, because, from, in or with? negotiate with, for, in, on or by? nestle in, on, between, among or within? nibble on, at, around, as or by? nod in, to, at, with or along? "nominate for" or "nominate by"? "note in", "note for" or "note by"? notice in, by, about, on or to?

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