best forgotten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best forgotten" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is better off not being remembered or discussed, often due to its negative nature or unpleasantness. Example: "The incident from last year was so embarrassing that it is best forgotten."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are best forgotten.

The Economist

Some years are best forgotten.

Independent

It is best forgotten.

The Guardian - Opinion

The melted bananas Foster is best forgotten.

The New York Times

Much of his writing is best forgotten.

The Economist

Artists' facilities are best forgotten.

The New York Times - Arts

Italian sushi is best forgotten.

The New York Times

But mushy crabcakes are best forgotten.

The New York Times

The Friday game is best forgotten.

The New Yorker

The hushpuppy platemates were rock hard and best forgotten.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Watching the Do Not Enter Diaries takes you right back to those awkward, probably best-forgotten, but neverthless formative, years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "best forgotten" sparingly for greater impact. Overuse can diminish its strength. Reserve it for situations where the desire to avoid remembrance is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "best forgotten" when simply describing something as mediocre or unremarkable. This phrase carries a connotation of something negative or shameful that should be actively avoided, not just something that is merely average.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best forgotten" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun either explicitly or implicitly. It expresses a strong preference for something to not be remembered or acknowledged, often due to negative or unpleasant associations. As Ludwig AI states, this is a valid and common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "best forgotten" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is better left unremembered or unacknowledged. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While it appears most often in news and media, its application spans various contexts, carrying a connotation of negativity or undesirability. When employing this phrase, consider the context and ensure it aligns with the intention of discouraging remembrance. Overuse may diminish impact, and the phrase should be reserved for situations where active avoidance of remembrance is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best left in the past

Emphasizes that something is better off remaining in the past and not brought into the present.

not worth remembering

Directly states that something is not valuable or important enough to be kept in memory.

let's not dwell on that

A more conversational way to suggest moving past a topic, often used to steer away from something uncomfortable.

water under the bridge

Idiomatic expression indicating that something is in the past and no longer worth worrying about.

better left unsaid

Focuses on the act of not speaking about something rather than forgetting it, implying a deliberate choice to avoid mentioning it.

better to move on from

Suggests a proactive decision to leave something behind and not dwell on it, emphasizing forward movement.

should be disregarded

Implies that something is not worth considering or paying attention to, suggesting it's irrelevant or unimportant.

a thing of the past

Indicates that something belongs to a previous time and is no longer relevant in the present.

wiped from memory

Suggests a complete removal from recollection, often implying a deliberate or forceful act.

consigned to oblivion

A more dramatic and literary way of saying something is completely forgotten and no longer relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "best forgotten" in a sentence?

You can use "best forgotten" to describe events, periods, or creations that are better left unremembered. For example, "That year was "best forgotten" because of the economic recession".

What are some alternatives to saying "best forgotten"?

Alternatives include "better left unsaid", "should be disregarded", or "best left in the past", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "best forgotten"?

It is appropriate when referring to something negative, embarrassing, or traumatic that one would prefer not to remember or discuss. Ensure the context aligns with this negative connotation.

What is the difference between "best forgotten" and "easily forgotten"?

"Best forgotten" implies a desire to not remember something, often due to its unpleasant nature. "Easily forgotten" simply means something is not memorable, without any judgment on whether it should be remembered or not.