apt to forget

USAGE SUMMARY

"apt to forget" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a tendency a person has of forgetting or being forgetful. For example, "My Grandmother is quite elderly and is apt to forget things easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Sports

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Not that anyone is apt to forget it.

The New York Times - Sports

We are apt to forget that Munch lived until 1944.

The Guardian - Arts

Though I'm more apt to forget, that leaves me freer to invent".

The New York Times - Books

The Beckenham tournament drove home another truth which some of our players are apt to forget.

The Guardian - Sport

People are apt to forget, now, how much Virago shifted the landscape not only of publishing, but of academia, too.

The Guardian - Books

Even when viewers remember fourth-quarter ads, they enjoy them less than earlier spots, and are more apt to forget which brands they advertise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

If there is a logical development of the musical pattern the protest of the ear is apt to be forgotten.

The Guardian - Music

But, to Parfit, if it wasn't true that cruelty was wrong, then the feeling that it was vile was just a psychological fact — flimsy, contingent, apt to be forgotten.

The New Yorker

This brings me to an aspect of children's literature that, despite my wariness, always wins my affection: books that recall some truth about childhood we are apt to have forgotten.

The New York Times - Books

That great engineer shared some wise words based on his own experiences of re-planning London: "Private individuals are apt to look after their own interests first, and to forget the general effect upon the public.

The Guardian

Aside from his careful, home counties' voice, Apted doesn't feature in the films, which enables us to forget that he, like his subjects and the rest of us, is also ageing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apt to forget", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the degree of likelihood and the reason behind the forgetfulness. It suggests a natural tendency rather than a deliberate action.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "apt to forget" can sound slightly informal in very formal writing. Consider using a more formal alternative like "likely to forget" or "prone to forgetting" in academic papers or business reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apt to forget" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. It describes a characteristic or tendency of a subject, indicating they are likely or prone to forgetting. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apt to forget" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone's likelihood of forgetting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. While it appears frequently in news and media, it's crucial to consider formality levels, opting for alternatives like "likely to forget" in highly formal settings. Understanding the context and desired tone is key to effectively using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to forget

Emphasizes the probability or chance of forgetting.

prone to forget

Highlights a natural tendency or inclination to forget.

inclined to forget

Suggests a predisposition or leaning toward forgetting.

tends to forget

Indicates a habitual or recurring pattern of forgetting.

liable to forget

Implies a risk or potential for forgetting, often due to circumstances.

forgetful

A single word describing a state of being forgetful

with a tendency to forget

Rephrases the concept using a noun phrase, adding a bit more formality.

disposed to forget

Similar to 'inclined', but slightly more formal and less common.

given to forgetting

Emphasizes the habitual nature of forgetting.

unlikely to remember

Expresses the opposite, focusing on the low probability of remembering.

FAQs

What does "apt to forget" mean?

The phrase "apt to forget" means someone is likely or has a tendency to forget things. It suggests a natural inclination toward forgetfulness.

How can I use "apt to forget" in a sentence?

You can use "apt to forget" to describe someone's tendency to be forgetful. For example, "He is "prone to forget" appointments if he doesn't write them down."

What are some alternatives to "apt to forget"?

Alternatives to "apt to forget" include "likely to forget", "prone to forget", and "inclined to forget". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "apt to forget" formal or informal?

"Apt to forget" is generally considered neutral in formality. While not overly formal, it's suitable for most writing contexts. However, for highly formal settings, "likely to forget" might be a better choice.