I forgot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I forgot' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that you did not remember or when you neglected to do something that you were supposed to do. Example: I forgot to turn in my homework last week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I forgot!

The Guardian - Film

I forgot my coat, I forgot my book, I forgot this, I forgot that".

The New Yorker

"I forgot it immediately.

The New Yorker

"I forgot," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

I forgot to ask.

Independent

And I forgot — Budgie?

The New Yorker

One Thursday I forgot.

The New Yorker

I forgot on Wednesday.

The New York Times

"I forgot," he says.

The New York Times - Tech

"I forgot tomorrow's Sunday".

The New Yorker

I forgot my English".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I forgot", be specific about what you forgot and, if appropriate, apologize or explain the consequences of your forgetfulness.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I forgot" without providing any additional information. Always specify what you forgot to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I forgot" functions as a statement of memory lapse. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable and widely used in English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, indicating a failure to remember or a neglect to do something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I forgot" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a lapse in memory. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, followed by science. While it's a simple phrase, it's important to use it with context to provide clarity. Alternatives like "It slipped my mind" or "I didn't remember" can be used for variety. Remember to be specific about what you forgot and, if appropriate, offer an explanation or apology. The frequency and range of usage contexts underscore the importance of understanding how to use this phrase effectively in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I didn't remember

Emphasizes a lack of recollection.

It slipped my mind

Indicates the information was temporarily lost from memory.

I failed to recall

A more formal way of expressing a lack of memory.

I blanked out

Implies a sudden and complete loss of memory.

I overlooked that

Highlights a failure to notice or consider something.

I spaced out

Informal way of saying you were not paying attention and forgot.

I wasn't thinking

Suggests forgetfulness due to a lapse in focus.

I disremembered

A less common but valid synonym for forgetting.

I left it behind my mind

Expresses a complete abandonment of the memory of something.

I am forgetful about

Directly states the personal characteristic of being prone to forgetting.

FAQs

What's a simple way to say "I forgot"?

You could say "It slipped my mind" or "I didn't remember" as alternatives to "I forgot".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "I forgot"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "I forgot". It's a common and natural way to express that you didn't remember something.

How can I avoid saying "I forgot" so often?

Try using reminders, making lists, or setting alarms to help you remember important things and reduce the need to say "I forgot" frequently.

What's the difference between "I forgot" and "I had forgotten"?

"I forgot" is simple past tense, indicating you forgot something at a specific point. "I had forgotten" is past perfect, indicating you forgot something before another point in the past. For example, "I forgot my keys" versus "I had forgotten my keys before I left the house".