all but forgotten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all but forgotten" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to emphasize that something is almost forgotten. For example, "The town's fight for independence is all but forgotten."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

had been all but forgotten.

The Economist

Today he's all but forgotten.

The New York Times - Books

The cassette tape is all but forgotten.

The New York Times - Tech

Now they are all but forgotten.

The Economist

Now, though, he is all but forgotten.

The Guardian - Opinion

And then -- it was all but forgotten.

The New York Times

Now they have been all but forgotten.

The Guardian - Opinion

A generation later, the diet had been all but forgotten.

The New York Times - Magazine

These days, that promise is all but forgotten.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

For 40 years, their story was all-but forgotten.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that romance is all-but-forgotten in the final chapter, and we are left wondering.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all but forgotten" to emphasize the advanced state of forgetting, suggesting that only a faint trace remains in memory. For example: "The details of the treaty are now "all but forgotten".

Common error

Avoid using "all but forgotten" when something is only slightly or partially forgotten. The phrase implies a near-complete state of being forgotten, not just a minor lapse in memory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all but forgotten" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate its state of being nearly forgotten. It adds emphasis to the extent of forgetting, as supported by Ludwig's numerous examples showing its common use in describing things relegated to near oblivion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all but forgotten" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize that something is nearly completely forgotten. Ludwig's analysis confirms that this phrase is widely accepted and used across various authoritative sources, primarily in news and media. When writing, use "all but forgotten" to clearly indicate an advanced state of forgetting, and consider alternatives like "virtually forgotten" or "faded from memory" for subtle nuances. Be mindful not to use it when something is only partially forgotten. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually forgotten

Emphasizes the near-complete state of being forgotten.

nearly forgotten

Highlights the almost-forgotten state, close to being completely forgotten.

almost completely forgotten

Explicitly states the near-total extent of being forgotten.

faded from memory

Suggests a gradual loss of remembrance over time.

receded into obscurity

Implies a decline into a state of being unknown or unimportant.

slipped into oblivion

Conveys a complete and irreversible state of being forgotten.

passed into oblivion

Conveys a complete and irreversible state of being forgotten.

consigned to oblivion

Suggests that it was intentionally forgotten.

largely unremembered

Focuses on the lack of active remembering.

gone into the mists of time

Indicates that something has been lost from record.

FAQs

How can I use "all but forgotten" in a sentence?

Use "all but forgotten" to describe something that is almost completely forgotten. For example, "The old traditions are now "all but forgotten" in the modern world."

What is a good alternative to "all but forgotten"?

Alternatives include "virtually forgotten", "nearly forgotten", or "faded from memory" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "all but forgot" instead of "all but forgotten"?

While "all but forgot" might be understood in some contexts, "all but forgotten" is the more grammatically correct and widely accepted form. "Forgotten" emphasizes the state of being forgotten, which is usually the intended meaning.

What does "all but forgotten" imply about something's current state?

It implies that something is in a state of near-complete oblivion, with only the slightest trace or memory remaining. It suggests a high degree of neglect or disuse.