be forgotten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be forgotten" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing memory, legacy, or the passage of time, often in a passive construction. Example: "In the end, all our efforts may be forgotten if we do not leave a lasting impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot be forgotten.

The New York Times

They should be forgotten.

The Economist

Never to be forgotten.

The New York Times

You'll never be forgotten.

The New York Times

That should never be forgotten".

Independent

They must never be forgotten".

Independent

This must not be forgotten.

Independent

She will never be forgotten.

The New York Times

Paris will not be forgotten.

Independent

It must not be forgotten.

The New York Times

She will not be forgotten.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be forgotten" to emphasize the passive role of the subject; that is, something is acted upon to be forgotten, rather than actively forgetting something.

Common error

Avoid using "be forgotten" when the active voice is more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "The details will be forgotten by me", say "I will forget the details" for a more direct and clear statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be forgotten" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates a state where something is no longer remembered or has faded from memory. As Ludwig AI indicates, this construction is frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be forgotten" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to express the loss of memory or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across varied contexts. As shown by Ludwig, it's particularly prevalent in news and media, expressing sentiments around legacy and remembrance. When writing, using "be forgotten" is often intended to underline something's passive role in fading from memory. Alternative phrases like "fade from memory" or "pass into oblivion" can add nuance. However, using active voice may be more straightforward in some situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not be remembered

This option is a slightly more formal way to say "go unremembered", indicating that something will not be kept in memory.

fade from memory

This alternative emphasizes the gradual process of losing importance or recollection over time.

go unremembered

This option directly states that something is not remembered.

pass into oblivion

This option highlights the state of being completely forgotten or unknown.

slip into obscurity

This suggests a gradual decline into a state of being unknown or unnoticed.

be consigned to oblivion

This phrase indicates a deliberate act of causing something to be forgotten.

be lost to history

This alternative implies that something is no longer recorded or remembered in historical accounts.

be wiped from the collective memory

This highlights the disappearance of something from the shared memories of a group or society.

be erased from history

This phrase suggests a deliberate attempt to remove something from historical records.

vanish without a trace

This suggests a complete disappearance, leaving no evidence or memory behind.

FAQs

How is "be forgotten" commonly used in a sentence?

The phrase "be forgotten" is generally used to express that something will cease to be remembered. For instance, "Their sacrifices will not "be forgotten"" means their sacrifices will always be remembered.

What are some alternatives to "be forgotten"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "fade from memory", "pass into oblivion", or simply "be unremembered", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it better to say "will be forgotten" or "will not be forgotten"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Will be forgotten" indicates something will likely be erased from memory, while "will not "be forgotten"" suggests it will be remembered.

What's the difference between "be forgotten" and "be remembered"?

"Be forgotten" implies a loss of memory or significance, while "be remembered" suggests that something will remain in memory and be acknowledged.