could we forget

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could we forget" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting the possibility of letting go of a past event or memory, often in a context of seeking forgiveness or moving on. Example: "After everything that happened, I wonder if we could forget the past and start anew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

How could we forget?

Independent

But how could we forget the harmonica?

The New Yorker

And how could we forget the majestic chicken nuggets speech from D'Angelo in season one?

The Guardian

And how could we forget 1991, when you were up 87percentt?

The New York Times

How could we forget this is the group whose legacy to journalism is phone hacking.

The Guardian

Never for one moment could we forget that everything happening elsewhere, on land, at sea or in the air depended ultimately on its outcome".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

He said, 'Don't forget about me.' I said, 'Darryl, how could we ever forget about you?' ".

The New York Times - Magazine

Meanwhile, the top 10 obsessions included the Kardashians, Cecil the lion and (how could we ever forget) pig-gate.

Independent

No cricketer died in Lahore, but how could we ever forget the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes and officials shot by Palestinian terrorists during the 1972 Munich Olympic Games?

The New York Times

How could we ever forget?

Huffington Post

How could we ever forget Sen. Marco Rubio's bottled water incident?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to introduce a reminder of something that should not be ignored, usually in a persuasive or argumentative context.

Common error

Avoid using "could we forget" when the situation doesn't involve something significant or memorable. This phrase works best when highlighting something that has had a notable impact or is crucial to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could we forget" functions as a rhetorical question, emphasizing the unlikelihood or impossibility of overlooking a significant event or detail. It's often used to highlight something important, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could we forget" is a rhetorical question used to emphasize the importance of something that should not be ignored. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used in News & Media contexts. This phrase functions to remind audiences of significant events or details. While versatile, it’s best used when highlighting something with notable impact and should be avoided in irrelevant situations. Related phrases include "can we move past this" or "are we able to put it behind us". The phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we able to put it behind us

Highlights the ability to leave something in the past.

can we move past this

Focuses on progressing beyond a current issue or disagreement.

can we wipe the slate clean

Implies starting over without any past issues affecting the present.

is it possible to overlook it

Questions the feasibility of ignoring a particular event or behavior.

should we turn the page

Suggests starting a new chapter or phase, leaving the old one behind.

should we disregard this

Suggests ignoring or dismissing something as unimportant.

is it feasible to just ignore it

Questions whether something can reasonably be ignored.

how can we make peace with the past

Emphasizes reconciliation and acceptance of previous events.

shall we let bygones be bygones

A more formal and idiomatic way of suggesting that past grievances should be forgiven and forgotten.

can we bury the hatchet

An idiomatic way of saying that two parties should reconcile and end a conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "could we forget" to rhetorically question the possibility of ignoring something important, like in the sentence, "How "could we forget" the sacrifices made during the war?"

What does "could we forget" imply?

The phrase "could we forget" implies that something is so significant or memorable that it should not be overlooked or ignored. It often serves as a reminder or a rhetorical question to emphasize the importance of the subject.

What are some alternatives to using "could we forget"?

Some alternatives include "can we ignore this?", "should we dismiss this?", or "is this easily overlooked?". Each alternative shifts the emphasis slightly but serves a similar function.

Is "could we forget" a formal or informal expression?

"Could we forget" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it often appears in news and media, suggesting a neutral register. Its appropriateness depends on the specific situation and audience.