Don't forget

USAGE SUMMARY

"Don't forget" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
It is used as an admonition to remember something important, usually in the future. For example, "Don't forget to take out the trash tonight on your way back from practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't forget the sake.

The New York Times - Magazine

Don't forget the corkscrew.

Independent

Don't forget about taxes.

Forbes

Don't forget the students.

Science Magazine

Don't forget the alcohol".

Wikipedia

Don't forget it.

BMJ Open

Don't forget!

The New York Times - Magazine

Don't forget interjections.

WikiHow

Don't forget socks!

WikiHow

Don't forget the garage.

WikiHow

Don't forget about yourself.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with an exclamation mark in casual settings to create a sense of urgency or friendly enthusiasm.

Common error

Avoid using "Don't forget" in highly formal research papers or legal documents. It can sound overly conversational or patronizing. Instead, opt for phrases like "It is important to note" or "Careful consideration should be given to" to maintain an objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Don't forget" functions as a negative imperative. It combines the auxiliary verb "do", the negation "not", and the base form of the verb "forget". According to Ludwig AI, it acts as a mnemonic directive, often used to ensure compliance with a secondary but necessary action. It is frequently followed by a direct object (noun) or a to-infinitive clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

85%

News & Media

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "Don't forget" is an essential and highly effective tool in the English language for providing clear, actionable reminders. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various domains, particularly in instructional settings where preventing a mistake is paramount. While it is grammatically simple, its impact is significant because it directly addresses the reader's memory. It is most frequently found in Wiki and News contexts, serving as a friendly but firm signpost. Writers should feel confident using it in most settings, though switching to "please note" can elevate the tone for more formal academic or corporate environments. Overall, it remains a staple of clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Remember to

A positive framing of the same instruction, often perceived as slightly more encouraging.

Make sure to

Adds a slight layer of responsibility and verification to the reminder.

Be sure to

Very similar to 'make sure to' but often used in instructional or travel writing.

Always remember

Adds an element of permanence or long-term importance to the advice.

Keep in mind

Suggests maintaining awareness of a fact rather than performing a specific task.

Bear in mind

A slightly more formal version of 'keep in mind' common in British English and academia.

Don't neglect

Implies that failing to remember will result in a negative consequence or poor quality.

Do not overlook

More formal; specifically warns against the mistake of missing a crucial detail.

Please note

A formal way to draw attention to specific information or a prerequisite.

Remind yourself to

Focuses on the internal cognitive process of remembering.

FAQs

How to use "Don't forget" in a sentence?

You can use "Don't forget" followed by a noun or an infinitive verb, such as "don't forget the sake" or "don't forget to floss".

What can I say instead of "Don't forget"?

Depending on your context, you can use "remember to", "keep in mind", or "be sure to".

What is the difference between "Don't forget" and "Remember to"?

While both convey the same meaning, "Don't forget" is a negative imperative focusing on avoiding an omission, whereas "remember to" is a positive instruction.

Is "Don't forget" considered professional?

It is neutral and acceptable in business emails and journalism, though for very formal documents, you might prefer "please note" or "bear in mind".