I have forgotten

USAGE SUMMARY

"I have forgotten" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is typically used when talking about something that has been forgotten, often in the past tense. It can be used in a variety of situations, such as when discussing a memory or task that has slipped one's mind, or when admitting to forgetting something important. Example: "I have forgotten to call my mother back, and now it's been a week since she left me a voicemail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I have forgotten everything else.

The New York Times - Books

How could I have forgotten?

The New York Times - Magazine

/ I have forgotten you.

The Guardian - Books

I have forgotten what I thought then.

The New Yorker

I have forgotten his last name.

The New Yorker

I have forgotten to give his name.

The New Yorker

"I have forgotten stuff before.

The New York Times

"I have forgotten my language.

The Guardian

"I have forgotten it already".

The New York Times - Arts

fIne, thave drinks aforgotten.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"And now I have forgotten it again".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I have forgotten", consider whether it's appropriate to provide context or an explanation for why you forgot. This can help maintain clarity and avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "I have forgotten" without providing any context or reason. This can make your writing seem dismissive or lacking in detail. Instead, vary your phrasing and offer explanations where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have forgotten" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of having lost a memory. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. This expression uses the present perfect tense to link a past event (the act of forgetting) to its present consequence (the lack of current recall).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I have forgotten" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of recall. Ludwig AI highlights its correct usage in various contexts. It’s particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, providing context or explanation can enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "I can't recall" or "It slipped my mind" for varied expression. Common errors include overuse without explanation, which can be easily avoided by offering context or using alternative phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I don't remember

A straightforward statement of lacking a memory.

I can't recall

Focuses on the inability to bring something back to memory.

It slipped my mind

Highlights the unintentional nature of forgetting.

I have no recollection

Indicates a complete absence of memory about something.

I'm unable to recollect

A more formal way of saying "I can't remember".

I failed to remember

Emphasizes the failure in the act of remembering.

I've drawn a blank

Implies a sudden and complete loss of memory.

My memory fails me

Attributing the forgetting to a failing memory.

I can't bring it to mind

Emphasizes the active attempt and failure to remember.

I lost track of

Highlights forgetting something over a period of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "I have forgotten" to express that you no longer remember something, as in, "I have forgotten where I put my keys", or "I have forgotten the name of the movie."

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

"I have forgotten" implies a state resulting from a past action, suggesting the forgetting happened some time ago and still persists. "I forgot" is a simple past tense statement, indicating a past action of forgetting without necessarily implying a continuing state. Depending on the context you may use "I don't remember".

What can I say instead of "I have forgotten"?

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

Is it better to say "I have forgotten" or "I had forgotten"?

"I have forgotten" (present perfect) is generally used when the forgetting is relevant to the present. "I had forgotten" (past perfect) is used to describe a forgetting that occurred before another point in the past. Consider using something like "I can't bring it to mind".