I simply forgot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I simply forgot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you did not remember something without any excuses or justifications. Example: "I was supposed to call you yesterday, but I simply forgot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I simply forgot about you".

The New Yorker

I've been a fan from the beginning and at several points I simply forgot who certain characters were, or how they were connected to the conspiracy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And then, just now, I simply forgot, I'd forgotten all about it, it's years since I've thought about that summer... - You do remember?

The Guardian - Books

"At a critical point in my life, however, I simply forgot everything I had learned and lived by, and failed to apply the same accountability and high standards to my own behavior," Mr. Lipsky said.

The New York Times

The two were accompanied by a new friend of Amanda's, and Mrs. Lowrance overheard her asking him, "Are you Jewish or Christmas?" CHRISTMAS GIFTS Two weeks before Christmas, I simply forgot That time waits for no man not born to shop.

The New York Times

I simply forgot to change my location status back to New York City.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Whether I told the receiver this, or lied to protect Ronnie, I simply forget.

The New Yorker

I realize that at the heart of winter I simply forget how long the light of day can really be.

The New York Times

Instead, whether because of the friction of having to check in, the lack of adoption by friends outside of tech, or whatever else, I simply forget to use them.

TechCrunch

Generally speaking, I'll respond quickly to e-mails, messages and phone calls, even when I am busy, except for the rare times that I simply forget.

Huffington Post

"I notice quite often that I simply forget to make photos because I just want to look further and further on the samples and discover new structures and then get lost.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I simply forgot" to directly acknowledge an oversight without providing excuses. It can convey honesty, but be mindful of the context to avoid appearing dismissive.

Common error

Avoid using "I simply forgot" repeatedly or in situations where more accountability is expected. It can come across as insincere or negligent if overused, especially in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I simply forgot" functions as an independent clause expressing a direct and uncomplicated statement of forgetfulness. This phrase indicates that the speaker did not remember something, without providing further explanation or justification. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I simply forgot" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a lack of remembrance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a straightforward admission of forgetfulness without offering excuses. While common in news and media, it is also found in wiki and scientific contexts, although with less frequency. For professional communication, consider more formal alternatives to maintain a polished tone. Despite its common use, remember to be mindful of overuse to avoid sounding insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I completely forgot

Emphasizes the thoroughness of forgetting.

I totally forgot

Informal way to emphasize forgetting.

I just forgot

Simplifies the reason for not remembering.

I clean forgot

Adds a sense of carelessness or surprise at forgetting.

It slipped my mind

Highlights the involuntary nature of forgetting.

I blanked out

Indicates a temporary mental lapse.

I failed to remember

More formal way of expressing forgetfulness.

I didn't remember

Straightforward statement of not remembering.

I overlooked it

Suggests the matter was forgotten due to being missed or ignored.

It escaped my memory

Presents forgetting as something beyond control.

FAQs

How can I use "I simply forgot" in a sentence?

You can use "I simply forgot" to express a lack of remembrance without offering justifications. For instance, "I was meant to email you, but "I simply forgot"".

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

Alternatives include "I just forgot", "It slipped my mind", or "I didn't remember" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "I simply forgot" in professional communication?

While "I simply forgot" is direct, it might be perceived as too casual or dismissive in formal settings. Consider using a more professional alternative like "I regretfully failed to remember" or "I overlooked it".

What's the difference between "I simply forgot" and "I completely forgot"?

"I simply forgot" acknowledges a lack of remembrance without emphasis, while "I completely forgot" stresses the thoroughness of the forgetting. The latter indicates a stronger degree of oversight.