blanking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blanking" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It is typically used to describe a moment of forgetfulness or a temporary inability to recall information. Example: "During the presentation, I experienced a moment of blanking and couldn't remember the key points I wanted to discuss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Though I do keep blanking out mysteriously every time I see a Queen of Diamonds.

The Economist

While Froch acknowledges that boxing has been hit by a credit punch, he believes – as Britain's only genuine world champion – that TV should not be blanking him.

Independent

My friend Sarah's neighbours in leafy west London are still blanking her after a newly built Wendy house met an unfortunate demise in a rapidly spreading fence fire she started.

Independent

And she is amazing at this, blanking everything else, just concentrating on her race, her process, what she has to do.

Independent

Well, he might choose to set his story in the Monterey Aquarium, and make his two main characters, uh, fish scientists (I am blanking on the word for fish scientists, and keep coming up with "podiatrist").

The New Yorker

They are collections of extraordinary mannerisms — Carell, with his flat and papery voice; Tatum, with his jutting jaw and blank stare; Ruffalo, with his limp and his velvety bonhomie — that seem to capture characters in their entirety while actually blanking them out at the same time.

The New Yorker

There, with the balmy weather and the robust but clear sound completely blanking out the activity several floors below, the conception of popular music was entirely different.

The New Yorker

"I'm blanking on my favorite doorman's name," she told the doorman on duty.

The New Yorker

Wives suddenly blanking out, kids experiencing fits of rage — it's a sobering reminder that war doesn't stay on the battlefield.

The New Yorker

It was Gentry who started the run of four straight shutouts by blanking the St . Louis Cardinals 6-0, on Sept. 24, the game that gave the Mets their first division title.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A blanking die shears out a slug of sheet metal to make it into a blank that will fit dies for subsequent punch-press operations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blanking" to describe forgetting something, clarify the context to ensure the reader understands the specific instance of memory lapse or lack of awareness. For example, "I was blanking on the name of the restaurant" is clearer than simply "I was blanking."

Common error

Avoid using "blanking" in formal writing where a more precise term like "forgetting", "ignoring", or "omitting" would be more appropriate. In less formal contexts, ensure the reader understands you're referring to a temporary inability to recall or a deliberate act of disregarding something.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "blanking" is as a present participle, often part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "I am blanking"). Ludwig shows it can also function as a gerund or noun, referring to the act of blanking itself (e.g., "the blanking of memories").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blanking" is a versatile term primarily used as a present participle, signifying actions like forgetting, ignoring, or obscuring. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in English. While it frequently appears in News & Media, it maintains a neutral to informal tone. When using "blanking", particularly to describe memory lapses or intentional disregard, ensure clarity for your audience. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "forgetting", "ignoring", or "omitting" to enhance precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drawing a blank

Idiomatic expression for failing to remember something.

blocking out

Emphasis on preventing awareness or access to something.

blacking out

Similar meaning of losing consciousness or memory temporarily.

forgetting

Similar meaning of temporarily being unable to recall something.

ignoring

Indicates intentionally disregarding or overlooking something.

losing focus

Indicates a decrease in attention or concentration.

omitting

Refers to leaving something out or excluding it.

obscuring

Implies making something unclear or difficult to perceive.

becoming oblivious

Refers to lacking awareness or consciousness of something.

erasing

Suggests removing something completely, as if deleting it.

FAQs

How can I use "blanking" in a sentence?

You can use "blanking" to describe forgetting something temporarily, for example, "I was "blanking" on her name". It can also describe ignoring someone, as in, "They are "blanking" us".

What can I say instead of "blanking" when I can't remember something?

Alternatives to "blanking" when you can't remember something include "drawing a blank", "forgetting", or "having a memory lapse depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use the term "blanking"?

"Blanking" is suitable for informal contexts where describing a temporary lapse in memory or a deliberate act of ignoring is appropriate. In more formal settings, consider using more precise synonyms such as "omitting" or "disregarding".

Is "blanking" considered formal or informal language?

"Blanking" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "forgetting", "ignoring", or "omitting" to maintain a professional tone.