conveniently forget

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conveniently forget" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used in a sarcastic or critical tone, to suggest that someone is intentionally choosing to forget something for their own benefit or convenience. Example: "The politician conveniently forgot about his promises to reduce taxes once he was elected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But those posing as his majesty's protectors conveniently forget his words.

The Economist

Women conveniently forget a negligee in a dryer so you'll find it and marry them.

The New York Times

"People conveniently forget that he was awful in four of his last five games".

The New York Times - Sports

I conveniently forget the military drone that goes on its mission and returns to its AIRBASE.

The New York Times

We also conveniently forget that cycling keeps you warm – comfortably so.

The Guardian

We ignore and conveniently forget the many victories they won on our behalf.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such laments — whether for Miami or lower Manhattan — conveniently forget the gritty reality of that supposedly halcyon time.

The New York Times

Right wing columnists often conveniently forget that it ain't just at the bottom of society where we have problems.

Independent

We rather conveniently forget that paid sabbaticals come with serious (and legitimate) expectations on the part of employers.

The New York Times

What Webber and his advisers conveniently forget is how the stage goes both ways in college sports.

The New York Times - Sports

They conveniently forget that at the last general election only 24% of the entire UK electorate voted Labour into power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conveniently forget", ensure the context makes it clear that the forgetting is intentional and benefits the subject in some way. The phrase is most effective when used to imply criticism or skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "conveniently forget" when there's genuine uncertainty about whether the forgetting was deliberate. The phrase carries a strong implication of intentionality, so misusing it can lead to unfair accusations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conveniently forget" functions as a critical descriptor, modifying a verb to imply intentional omission. It suggests that the subject's forgetting is not accidental but serves a specific purpose, often to avoid responsibility or uncomfortable truths. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Opinion

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conveniently forget" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a deliberate act of forgetting, often for personal gain or to avoid responsibility. As Ludwig highlights, it carries a critical or skeptical tone and is most commonly found in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring the context clearly supports the implication of intentionality. Alternatives like "selectively ignore" or "purposefully overlook" can provide nuanced variations. Given its critical nature, the phrase is less common in formal or scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's appropriate use, emphasizing its effectiveness in persuasive or analytical contexts where skepticism is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selectively ignore

Focuses on the act of choosing what to disregard, highlighting a bias in attention.

purposefully overlook

Emphasizes the intentional nature of ignoring something, suggesting a specific aim.

deliberately omit

Highlights the intentional exclusion of information, often implying a strategic motive.

consciously disregard

Stresses the awareness involved in choosing to ignore something, suggesting a calculated decision.

strategically neglect

Implies a calculated decision to ignore something for a specific advantage.

willfully fail to recall

Focuses on the deliberate act of suppressing a memory, suggesting a conscious effort to forget.

subtly dismiss

Suggests a less overt way of ignoring something, often through downplaying its importance.

politely disregard

Adding a nuance to the action, suggesting ignoring something to be polite.

expediently ignore

Implies that ignoring something is the most practical or advantageous course of action.

easily disregard

Highlights how simple the act of ignoring is, suggesting minimal effort or concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "conveniently forget" to suggest someone is intentionally overlooking something, as in, "Politicians often "conveniently forget" promises made during campaigns".

What are some alternatives to "conveniently forget"?

Alternatives include "selectively ignore", "purposefully overlook", or "deliberately omit", each carrying a slightly different nuance of intentional oversight.

Is it appropriate to use "conveniently forget" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "conveniently forget" carries a critical tone. It's more suitable for persuasive or analytical writing where you want to express skepticism, rather than strictly objective or neutral contexts.

What's the difference between "conveniently forget" and "simply forget"?

"Simply forget" implies unintentional forgetting, while "conveniently forget" suggests a deliberate act of forgetting for personal benefit or to avoid an unpleasant situation. The former is neutral, the latter is accusatory.