can be forgotten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be forgotten" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is possible to be overlooked or not remembered. Example: "In the hustle and bustle of daily life, some important details can be forgotten."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's assuming the past can be forgotten.

The New York Times

Hope this can be forgotten and forgiven".

The Guardian - Books

Generalizations like German power against Spanish flair can be forgotten.

The New York Times - Sports

My body's once uncoordinated parts cohere; the body can be forgotten.

The New York Times - Arts

And as soon you can remember them all, they can be forgotten.

The New York Times

Experience is not a guarantee of skill: memories can be forgotten or suppressed, for example.

Stanford University

Crucial events can be forgotten, and trivial ones take centre stage.

The Guardian

Memories can be forgotten, remembered, changed, renewed, adapted to who we are and what we need.

The Guardian - Books

When in a workplace music society, the office power ladder can be forgotten.

The Guardian - Money

It seems one form of tyranny can be forgotten, but not the other.

The Guardian - Travel

Once taken, cuttings can be forgotten about until the following year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be forgotten", consider the context and whether a more specific verb like 'overlooked', 'neglected', or 'disregarded' might be more appropriate to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "can be forgotten" excessively in passive constructions. Active voice often provides a clearer and more direct expression. For example, instead of 'The details can be forgotten', consider 'People may forget the details'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be forgotten" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or potential for something to be forgotten. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically correct construction used to express that something is capable of being overlooked or not remembered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be forgotten" is a grammatically sound and frequently used modal passive construction, indicating the possibility of something being overlooked or not remembered. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and broad applicability. It appears most commonly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's advisable to consider alternative verbs for greater precision and to avoid overuse of passive voice. Be mindful of its neutral register, making it appropriate across various formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be overlooked

Emphasizes the possibility of something being missed or not noticed.

might be disregarded

Suggests a conscious decision to ignore or dismiss something.

could be neglected

Focuses on the lack of attention or care given to something.

is easily overlooked

Highlights the ease with which something can be missed.

may slip one's mind

Indicates that something is likely to be forgotten unintentionally.

might fade from memory

Suggests a gradual process of forgetting over time.

could be lost to time

Implies that something may be completely forgotten as time passes.

is prone to being forgotten

Highlights the inclination or tendency of something to be forgotten.

can slip through the cracks

Focuses on something being missed due to oversight or inefficiency.

can be consigned to oblivion

Suggests a deliberate act of forgetting or ignoring something into obscurity.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can be forgotten" is used to indicate the possibility of something being overlooked or not remembered. For example: 'Important details "can be forgotten" if not properly documented'.

What can I say instead of "can be forgotten"?

You can use alternatives like "may be overlooked", "might be disregarded", or "could be neglected" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be forgotten" or "can be forget"?

"Can be forgotten" is the correct form. "Forgotten" is the past participle of the verb 'forget' and is required after 'be' in the passive voice. "Can be forget" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "can be forgotten" and "can be overlooked"?

"Can be forgotten" generally implies a loss of memory or awareness. "Can be overlooked" suggests that something is present but not noticed, often due to its subtlety or lack of prominence.