cannot be forgotten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be forgotten" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that needs to be remembered for a long time. For example, "The bravery of the soldiers who fought in World War II cannot be forgotten."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot be forgotten.

The New York Times

Thursday 7 July 2005 cannot be forgotten.

Independent

That fact, of course, cannot be forgotten.

The New York Times - Sports

Celebration of the landscape cannot be forgotten.

University of California, Berkeley

But boxing's brutal undertow cannot be forgotten.

The Guardian - Sport

Those workers cannot be forgotten until these issues are resolved.

The New York Times

SOMETIMES there is a necessity for anniversaries, even for things that cannot be forgotten.

The New York Times

What cannot be forgotten, however, is that there were no consequences for those actions.

The New Yorker

They cannot be forgotten now that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are finally drawing down.

The New York Times

Most commerce secretaries cannot be forgotten because the public never learned their names in the first place.

The Economist

Something that cannot be forgotten as we try desperately to survive and move forward as a species.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be forgotten", consider the emotional weight it carries. It's best suited for situations where remembering something is crucial, whether for learning from the past, honoring achievements, or preventing future mistakes.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be forgotten" for minor or unimportant details. This diminishes its impact and makes your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for truly significant matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be forgotten" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating something is impossible to forget. Ludwig AI identifies numerous examples across varied contexts, reinforcing its role in emphasizing lasting impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be forgotten" is a versatile and frequently used expression to highlight the lasting importance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While its neutral tone makes it suitable for various writing styles, it's best reserved for significant subjects to avoid diminishing its impact. Consider using alternatives like "must be remembered" or "should not be forgotten" for nuanced expressions. As an overall conclusion, while using the sentence pay attention to the intensity of what you are going to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be remembered

Replaces "cannot" with "must", shifting the emphasis from impossibility of forgetting to a moral imperative to remember.

should not be forgotten

Similar to "must be remembered", but slightly less forceful in its obligation.

will always be remembered

Focuses on the certainty of remembrance rather than the impossibility of forgetting.

is unforgettable

Replaces the modal verb construction with a single adjective, making the statement more concise.

is etched in memory

Uses a metaphor to convey the permanence of the memory.

remains vivid

Emphasizes the clarity and sharpness of the memory.

is permanently ingrained

Highlights the deep and lasting impact of the memory.

is a lasting legacy

Connects the memory to a broader historical or cultural significance.

is a crucial reminder

Emphasizes the importance of the memory for future action or understanding.

warrants remembrance

Highlights the fact that something is worthy of being remembered.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be forgotten" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be forgotten" to stress the importance of remembering something significant. For instance, "The sacrifices made during the war "cannot be forgotten"".

What is a more formal alternative to "cannot be forgotten"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "must be remembered" or "should not be forgotten". These phrases convey a similar meaning while maintaining a higher level of formality.

Is there a difference between "cannot be forgotten" and "will not be forgotten"?

"Cannot be forgotten" suggests an inherent quality that makes something memorable, while "will not be forgotten" implies a conscious effort to ensure remembrance. The former emphasizes inevitability, and the latter emphasizes intention.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "cannot be forgotten"?

Avoid using "cannot be forgotten" in trivial contexts or overusing it, which can weaken its impact. Also, ensure the subject you're referring to is genuinely significant and deserving of such emphasis.