I forgot about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I forgot about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you did not remember something or someone. Example: "I forgot about the meeting scheduled for this afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I forgot about him.

The New York Times

"I forgot about them.

The New Yorker

"I forgot about that".

The New York Times - Sports

I forgot about THAT guy".

The New York Times - Books

I forgot about Dolores Hart.

The New Yorker

"I forgot about deliveries!

The Guardian - Books

I forgot about homelessness.

The New York Times

I forgot about the time change.

The New York Times

AT: "Oh yeah, I forgot about that.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I forget about the time.

The Economist

I forget about them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I forgot about" to acknowledge an oversight or a lapse in memory. Be mindful of the context and choose a more formal alternative if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "I forgot about" when you mean "I neglected to do". For example, "I forgot about calling you" implies you didn't remember the task at all, while "I neglected to call you" suggests you remembered but didn't do it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I forgot about" serves as an acknowledgement of a memory lapse, indicating that the speaker did not remember something. Ludwig confirms its usability, showing numerous instances of its use in varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I forgot about" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a lapse in memory. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase appears very frequently in news and media. While appropriate for most everyday conversations, carefully consider the context and use a more formal option (such as "I failed to remember") if the situation requires it. The phrase's simplicity and directness make it a versatile and widely accepted way to acknowledge an oversight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It slipped my mind

Emphasizes a temporary lapse in memory; less direct than "I forgot about".

I overlooked it

Focuses on failing to notice something, rather than forgetting entirely.

I failed to remember

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "I forgot".

It escaped my memory

A more formal way of saying something was forgotten.

I was forgetful of

A more formal way of admitting forgetfulness regarding something specific.

I didn't recall

Indicates a lack of recollection, often of a specific detail or event.

I lost sight of

Implies a gradual forgetting, or a shift in focus away from something.

I had a memory lapse

Highlights a temporary failure of memory.

It was not on my radar

Indicates that something was not considered or prioritized.

I had amnesia about

A facetious and comical way of saying something was forgotten.

FAQs

What does "I forgot about" mean?

The phrase "I forgot about" means that you did not remember something or someone at a particular time. It indicates a lapse in memory.

What can I say instead of "I forgot about"?

You can use alternatives like "it slipped my mind", "I overlooked it", or "I didn't recall" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "I forgot about". It is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lapse in memory.

What's the difference between "I forgot about" and "I didn't remember"?

While similar, "I forgot about" often implies a more complete lapse in memory, while "I didn't remember" might suggest a temporary inability to recall something. The distinction is subtle and context-dependent.