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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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can't forget it

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

I can't forget it.

News & Media

The New Yorker

You can't forget it.

You can't forget it, ever".

News & Media

The New Yorker

And women can't forget it.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"Relatives and neighbors can't forget it," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

He knew it, and now he can't forget it.

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Remember, if you insult people with more insults, then you can't forget about it and it just becomes a long stream of complaints.

We often think of the Stonewall riots as a momentous time in gay activism, and in many ways it was, but we can't forget that it was a collaborative effort led by LGBT people across the board.

News & Media

Huffington Post

You can't forget whatever it is you set out to do, whether it's to write an amazing novel, start a non-profit, or devote your life to helping the homeless.

We can't forget that it's just a sport for entertainment.

News & Media

The New York Times

Of course, the technique is important, but you can't forget where it comes from.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In narrative writing, follow this phrase with a sensory detail to show why the memory persists, rather than just stating that it does.

Common error

Do not use "can't forget it" when you simply mean you remember something. This phrase implies a psychological or emotional weight where the memory is difficult or impossible to suppress. For neutral facts, prefer "I remember".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can't forget it" functions as a negative modal verb phrase followed by a direct object. According to Ludwig, it is primarily used to express an involuntary cognitive state where a specific event or piece of information remains accessible in the mind despite the passage of time or a desire to dismiss it.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

15%

Social Media

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can't forget it" is a powerful linguistic tool used to denote memories that are indelible and often involuntary. Based on the data from Ludwig, the phrase is a staple of high-quality journalism, appearing in over 30 exact instances from elite publications. It effectively bridges the gap between everyday speech and evocative storytelling. Ludwig AI suggests that while the phrase is simple in structure, its emotional resonance makes it indispensable for describing life-altering moments, whether they are tragic, such as national disasters, or transformative, such as personal revelations. When using this phrase, writers should be mindful of its weight; it is best reserved for experiences that truly leave a lasting mark on the consciousness.

FAQs

How do I use "can't forget it" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a haunting or powerful experience, such as: "The scene was so tragic that I "can't forget it"."

What is the difference between "can't forget it" and "won't forget it"?

The phrase "can't forget it" implies a lack of ability to stop remembering, whereas "won't forget it" implies a conscious choice or a promise to keep the memory alive.

Is "can't forget it" formal enough for academic writing?

It is generally considered neutral. In strictly formal academic contexts, you might prefer "the memory persists" or "it remains indelible".

What can I say instead of "can't forget it" for a positive experience?

For positive memories, you might use "it will stay with me forever" or "I will treasure the memory".

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: