can we forget

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we forget" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking if it is possible to overlook or not remember something, often in a context of moving on from a past event or issue. Example: "After everything that happened, can we forget the past and start fresh?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

And how can we forget the Web?

The New York Times - Magazine

And third, how can we forget Defoe's characters?

The Guardian - Books

Speaking of Steve Stamkos, how can we forget the man at the top?

The Guardian - Sport

Still, not for a moment can we forget the emotional costs of our endurance.

The New York Times

Can we forget his flawed, fallacious statements at the United Nations?

The New York Times

And how can we forget that Mohammad Azharuddin's career ended in shame, seemingly shaking the foundations of the game.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Can we just forget about the Sand Snakes?

The New Yorker

Can we just forget Shae from the books?

Huffington Post

Actually, can we just forget this whole hour ever happened?

Huffington Post

How much more dangerous it can become when we forget it ourselves, even momentarily.

Los Angeles Times

That's our responsibility next year at these European elections - we can forget Ukip, we can forget the Tories, we can forget Labour, if the voice of rational pro-Europeanism is going to be heard, there is only one place it can come from, and it should be us, and it will be us.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight and sensitivity surrounding the topic you're suggesting to forget. Ensure the phrase is used thoughtfully and with respect for potential impacts on others.

Common error

Avoid using "can we forget" in situations where a lighter, more casual expression would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make you sound overly dramatic or confrontational in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we forget" functions as an interrogative expression, posing a question about the possibility or advisability of ceasing to remember something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable. It is often employed to initiate a discussion on whether to overlook past events or issues.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can we forget" is a grammatically sound and usable interrogative expression that initiates reflection on ceasing to remember something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to challenge perspectives or urge reconsideration. While generally neutral in register, its effective use requires sensitivity to the emotional weight of the topic. Remember to ensure the context clearly signals your intent and use alternative phrasing for less formal settings. Finally, be aware of when something cannot or should not be forgotten.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is it feasible to forget

Asks whether it's practical to not remember something.

Is it possible to ignore

Directly questions the feasibility of disregarding something.

Should we disregard

Focuses on whether something should be ignored or dismissed.

Can we dismiss

Highlights the possibility of rejecting something from consideration.

Shall we disregard

Poses a question on intention of ignoring something.

Should we ignore

Inquires about the appropriateness of overlooking something.

Ought we to overlook

Emphasizes a moral obligation to ignore something.

Can we move past

Suggests progressing beyond a particular event or issue.

Could we overlook

Explores the potential for ignoring a specific aspect.

Can we brush aside

Emphasizes the act of easily dismissing something.

FAQs

How can I use "can we forget" in a sentence?

You can use "can we forget" to question whether something should be overlooked or remembered. For example, "After all this, "can we forget" the past and start anew?"

What phrases are similar to "can we forget"?

Similar phrases include "should we disregard", "is it possible to ignore", or "can we move past", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "can we forget"?

It is appropriate to use "can we forget" when you want to raise the question of whether it is possible or advisable to stop remembering something, often in the context of moving on from a difficult situation or past grievance.

What's the difference between "can we forget" and "should we forget"?

"Can we forget" questions the possibility or feasibility of forgetting, while "should we forget" questions the moral or ethical implications of doing so.