I mustn't forget

USAGE SUMMARY

"I mustn't forget" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when someone wants to emphasize the importance of remembering something. For example: "I mustn't forget to pick up milk on my way home from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I mustn't forget we're representing the whole of Great Britain".

The Guardian - Sport

I mustn't forget the press agent who gets such wonderful publicity for himself.

The New Yorker

But, firstly, I mustn't forget that in a recent column I mocked comics fans who think thoughtful pacing represents bad value for money - worries like that are the enemy of art.

The Guardian - Books

Of course, I mustn't forget the insipid posts.

Huffington Post

And I mustn't forget the crumbling Nazi bunkers on the Jutland coast, fascinating reminders of an occupied Denmark that both collaborated with and resisted Hitler.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"But I must not forget that I am foremost a Japanese.... May my country flourish forever.

The New York Times

"As a politician and a human being I feel that I must not forget the vexation felt by the people who suffered," he said.

The New York Times

I must not forget the Art Deco-style Varsithe the nation's largest drive-in, where they move the customers through at double-time, all day every day.

The New York Times - Arts

After the Union of Soviet Writers also rebuked him, he replied with what is regarded as a classic nonconfessional confession: "It has been said that I must not forget the strict and severe words of Nikita Sergeyevich.

The New York Times - Books

After so many years of having sex with myself, would the old girl downstairs remember what to do? "You could experience vaginal dryness," my doctor warns, after telling me that, yes, I could indeed pass for 42 and that I must not forget to use protection.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many may of course see this as Labour's leader tattooing on the back of his hand, "I must not forget the deficit," following what was widely seen as his gaffe at Labour's conference of omitting to mention it at all in his big address to delegates.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I mustn't forget" to firmly remind yourself or others of something important, especially when there's a risk of overlooking it. For instance, "I mustn't forget to water the plants while you're away."

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of "mustn't" can sound overly formal or even stiff in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "shouldn't forget" or "don't forget" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I mustn't forget" functions as an expression of obligation and self-reminder. It's used to emphasize the importance of not overlooking something. Ludwig AI, as shown by the examples, emphasizes the emphasis on not forgetting something that matters.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I mustn't forget" is a grammatically correct and emphasizes the importance of not overlooking something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for reminding yourself or others about crucial details. While its usage is infrequent, particularly within news and media contexts, alternative phrases like "I should not forget" or "I must remember" can provide stylistic variety. When employing this phrase, consider your audience and context, as excessive use of "mustn't" in casual settings can sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I should not forget

Uses 'should' instead of 'mustn't', weakening the sense of obligation.

I must remember

Replaces 'mustn't forget' with a positive affirmation of remembering, altering the initial negative constraint.

I cannot forget

Emphasizes an inability to forget, rather than a directive not to forget.

It is imperative that I remember

Introduces a more formal and emphatic tone, highlighting the critical importance of remembering.

I need to bear in mind

Shifts focus to continuous awareness rather than a single act of remembering.

I have to keep in mind

Similar to 'bear in mind', but with a slightly less formal tone.

I mustn't omit

Emphasizes the act of including something important, rather than just remembering it.

I mustn't neglect

Highlights the importance of not overlooking or disregarding something crucial.

I must not overlook

Similar to 'mustn't neglect', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on avoiding oversight.

Let me not forget

Introduces a reflective tone, reminding oneself with a degree of mindfulness.

FAQs

How can I use "I mustn't forget" in a sentence?

Use "I mustn't forget" to emphasize the importance of remembering something. For example, "I mustn't forget to call my mother on her birthday."

What is a less formal way to say "I mustn't forget"?

You could use phrases like "I shouldn't forget", "I can't forget", or simply "Don't let me forget" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "I mustn't forget" and "I must not forget"?

While both phrases convey the same meaning, "I mustn't forget" is a contraction and generally sounds more natural in spoken English, whereas "I must not forget" is slightly more formal and emphatic. The Ludwig AI confirms the use of both phrases in written english.

What can I say instead of "I mustn't forget" if I want to sound more proactive?

Consider using phrases such as "I need to remember" or "I will make sure to remember" to convey a more active commitment to remembering something.