be forgotten over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be forgotten over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that gradually loses significance or is no longer remembered as time passes. Example: "Many historical events may be forgotten over time if they are not documented properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, nonwords that are familiar are more likely to be forgotten over time than are words that are familiar.

Neuropsychologia

We find that words and nonwords that are recollected are equally likely to be forgotten over time.

Neuropsychologia

The two of them were brilliant for each other over a number of years and I think that's something that shouldn't be forgotten over time.

The Guardian - Sport

In addition, it was suggestive that advice on medications may be forgotten over time by an older cohort, so the importance of regular monitoring and reinforcement by their doctors and pharmacists.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Our results support recent neuropsychologically-based forgetting theories of recollection and familiarity and provide new insight into how and why representations are forgotten over time.

Neuropsychologia

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — David Wilson, the Giants' first-round draft choice in April, does not want to be another N.F.L. running back whose contribution is so modest he is forgotten over time.

The New York Times - Sports

12. Begin to be identified with best cases, so that your own “worst case” is forgotten over time.

Forbes

Interestingly, this conclusion was already suggested in the very first clinical trials of antithrombin in patients with DIC 25 years ago, but may have been forgotten over time [ 11].

Critical Care

At the same time, it is also the responsibility of the doctor to record information and not simply to rely on that which is remembered in the chance that the record needs to be accessed by someone else or the details are forgotten over time [ 16, 17, 22, 23] despite confidentiality concerns.

BMC Family Practice

Time crumbles things; everything grows old under the power of Time and is forgotten over the passage of time.

Huffington Post

Anyway, everyone's studied disinterest in the content of the State of the Union speech will obviously be forgotten when the time comes to start over-hyping the next one.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be forgotten over time" when you want to emphasize the gradual process of something fading from memory or significance as time passes. It's particularly effective when discussing historical events, personal experiences, or cultural trends.

Common error

Avoid using "be forgotten over time" excessively in contexts where an active voice would be more direct and engaging. Consider who or what is doing the forgetting and rephrase accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be forgotten over time" functions as a passive verb phrase, describing a process where something loses its prominence or is no longer remembered as time passes. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to describe the gradual loss of significance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0.05%

Reference

0.05%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be forgotten over time" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the gradual fading of memory or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various writing styles, from formal to informal. While predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its neutral register makes it adaptable for diverse applications. When using this phrase, consider whether active voice might offer a more direct alternative, and be mindful of overusing passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fade into obscurity

Emphasizes the gradual loss of recognition or importance.

become a distant memory

Focuses on the emotional aspect of something no longer easily recalled.

slip from memory

Highlights the ease with which something is forgotten.

be consigned to oblivion

Implies a more forceful or deliberate act of forgetting.

be lost to the sands of time

Uses a more poetic and metaphorical expression.

vanish with time

Focuses on the disappearance aspect of something.

be erased from history

Highlights the complete removal of something from historical record.

be consigned to the past

Focuses on the placement of something firmly in the past.

become irrelevant with age

Emphasizes that something loses its significance as it ages.

disappear into the mists of time

Uses imagery to portray the act of something becoming obscure and hard to remember.

FAQs

How can I use "be forgotten over time" in a sentence?

You can use "be forgotten over time" to describe things that gradually lose importance or are no longer remembered as time passes. For example, "Many historical events may "be forgotten over time" if they are not documented properly."

What phrases are similar to "be forgotten over time"?

Similar phrases include "fade into obscurity", "become a distant memory", or "slip from memory". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be forgotten over time" formal or informal?

"Be forgotten over time" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of your writing. It's generally considered neutral in register.

What causes things to "be forgotten over time"?

Many factors can cause something to "be forgotten over time", including lack of documentation, changing cultural values, or the passage of generations. Repetition and reinforcement are key to preventing information or events from fading away.