Be forgotten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be forgotten" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one wishes to express the desire for something or someone to no longer be remembered. Example: "In the end, all I want is to be forgotten, leaving no trace of my existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot be forgotten.

The New York Times

They should be forgotten.

The Economist

Never to be forgotten.

The New York Times

You'll never be forgotten.

The New York Times

That should never be forgotten".

Independent

They must never be forgotten".

Independent

This must not be forgotten.

Independent

She will never be forgotten.

The New York Times

Paris will not be forgotten.

Independent

It must not be forgotten.

The New York Times

She will not be forgotten.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be forgotten" to emphasize the passive nature of the act of forgetting, often implying a lack of control or agency over the process. For example, "That sacrifice should never "be forgotten".

Common error

Avoid using "be forgotten" when you intend to express active forgetting. Instead of "I want it to "be forgotten"", use "I want to forget it" to show you are actively trying to forget.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be forgotten" functions as a passive infinitive construction, indicating a state or condition of being no longer remembered. It's often used to express a desire, warning, or concern about something fading from memory, as Ludwig AI suggests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be forgotten" functions as a passive infinitive construction, commonly employed to express the notion of something fading from memory or significance. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While semantically similar alternatives like "be overlooked" or "fade from memory" exist, "be forgotten" maintains a specific emphasis on the passive nature of the act. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase's neutral register lends itself to versatile usage, whether cautioning against historical amnesia or reflecting on personal mortality. Therefore, understanding the grammatical function, communicative purpose, and contextual nuances of "be forgotten" allows for its effective application in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fade from memory

Emphasizes the gradual process of being forgotten over time.

Be overlooked

Shifts the focus to being ignored or not noticed, rather than explicitly forgotten.

Be lost to time

Suggests that the passage of time is the primary cause of being forgotten.

Be consigned to oblivion

Implies a more permanent and forceful removal from memory.

Be consigned to the past

Suggests something relegated to the past and therefore no longer considered.

Slip into obscurity

Focuses on losing prominence or fame, leading to being forgotten.

Be left behind

Focuses on abandonment and neglect leading to being forgotten.

Be erased from history

Highlights the deliberate act of removing someone or something from historical records and memory.

Be disregarded

Emphasizes the act of ignoring or dismissing something, leading to its eventual oblivion.

Be dismissed from consideration

Highlights the act of rejecting or disregarding something, leading to it being forgotten.

FAQs

How can I use "be forgotten" in a sentence?

You can use "be forgotten" to express that something or someone should not be remembered, or to describe something that is likely to fade from memory. For instance, "His contributions should never "be forgotten"", or "They feared they would "be forgotten" by history".

What's a more impactful way to say "be forgotten"?

For a more impactful expression, you could use phrases like "be consigned to oblivion" or "fade from memory", depending on the context. These emphasize the permanence or gradual nature of being forgotten.

Is it better to say "be forgotten" or "forgotten"?

The choice depends on the context. "Forgotten" is a simple adjective, while "be forgotten" is a passive construction, typically used when you want to emphasize the action of forgetting or the state of being forgotten, rather than the simple fact of being forgotten. For example, 'The details were forgotten' versus 'The details should not "be forgotten"'.

What is the difference between "be forgotten" and "be overlooked"?

"Be forgotten" implies a loss of memory or significance, while "be overlooked" suggests that something was never properly noticed or considered in the first place. Something that is "overlooked" may never have even "been forgotten", as it may never have been known.