being able to forget

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to forget" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capacity or ability to let go of memories or experiences, often in a psychological or emotional context. Example: "One of the most important skills in moving on from past trauma is being able to forget the pain associated with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Imagine living your life without ever being able to forget.

Independent

"He has an amazing gift for being able to forget the last shot, last round, last tournament, and move forward".

The New York Times - Sports

This privilege of being able to forget part of who you are is not unique to straight people.

Harvard Business Review

The lyrics of this track are really sweet; it's a song about being able to forget where you are despite your surroundings.

The Guardian - Music

Even George Graham's defection to Tottenham Hotspur in 1998 had been greeted with more of a grumbling frustration by the locals, those at White Hart Lane never really being able to forget the Scot's long association with Arsenal.

The Guardian - Sport

On the same day each year for two decades, he revisits the lives of Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley, who spend graduation night together and then go their separate ways, each without quite being able to forget the other.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Would she be able to forget Sochi?

The Guardian - Sport

Who will be able to forget it?

The Washington Post

"I'll never be able to forget that image".

The New Yorker

I want to be able to forget about that.

The Guardian - Sport

No one will be able to forget it.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being able to forget" when emphasizing the process or state of having the capacity to let go of memories or experiences, especially when discussing psychological or emotional well-being. For example, "Therapy can help in being able to forget traumatic events."

Common error

Avoid using "being able to forget" when "forgetting" alone is sufficient and more concise. The longer phrase is best when you want to emphasize the ability or process, not just the act of forgetting. For example, instead of "Being able to forget the mistake is important", consider "Forgetting the mistake is important" if the emphasis is solely on the act of forgetting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to forget" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the state or process of having the ability to disregard or dismiss memories. As Ludwig confirms, this usage is correct and applicable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being able to forget" describes the capacity or process of dismissing memories or experiences, and Ludwig confirms its correct usage. While grammatically sound and relatively common, it is crucial to use it when emphasizing the ability to forget, rather than simply the act of forgetting itself. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it appears most frequently in News & Media, and less so in academic or formal business settings. Consider alternatives like "having the ability to forget" for similar meaning, and ensure you're highlighting the process of forgetting when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the ability to forget

Replaces the gerund form "being able" with the noun "having the ability", maintaining a similar meaning.

possessing the capacity to forget

Substitutes "being able" with "possessing the capacity", emphasizing inherent capability.

capable of forgetting

Uses the adjective "capable" instead of the gerund phrase, providing a more direct expression of ability.

having the power to forget

Replaces "ability" with "power", suggesting a stronger, more active control over forgetting.

in a position to forget

Indicates that circumstances allow forgetting, rather than inherent ability.

being in a place to forget

Focuses on the situational aspect of forgetting, suggesting the environment supports forgetting.

with the faculty of forgetting

Emphasizes "faculty" or innate mental ability.

holding the key to forget

Emphasizes that forgetting is a possibility, more as a potential than a skill.

the option to forget

Highlight the choice of forgetting, instead of the ability to forget

being in condition of forgetting

Expresses an achieved state, not the capability to forget

FAQs

What does "being able to forget" mean?

The phrase "being able to forget" refers to having the capacity or ability to consciously or unconsciously dismiss or disregard memories, experiences, or information from one's mind. It often implies a psychological or emotional process of letting go of something.

What can I say instead of "being able to forget"?

You can use alternatives like "having the ability to forget", "capable of forgetting", or "possessing the capacity to forget" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "being able to forget"?

It is appropriate to use "being able to forget" when you want to emphasize the ability or process of forgetting, rather than just the act itself. For example, when discussing the psychological benefits of letting go of past traumas.

Is there a difference between "being able to forget" and simply "forgetting"?

Yes, "being able to forget" emphasizes the capacity or ability to forget, suggesting a skill or state. "Forgetting", on the other hand, simply describes the act of losing a memory or no longer being aware of something. The former highlights the process or capability, while the latter describes the outcome.