forget the past

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forget the past" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is encouraging someone to move on from previous experiences or memories. Example: "In order to grow and embrace new opportunities, it's important to forget the past and focus on the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But forget the past.

The New York Times

"People forget the past.

The Guardian

"I do not say forget the past.

The New York Times

You don't forget the past.

The Guardian - Film

That doesn't mean we forget the past.

Independent

They were trying to forget the past".

The New York Times - Arts

Virginia drinks to forget the past.

The New Yorker

"Forgive each other - forget the past".

The Guardian

Forget the past, start the future".

The New York Times

"We want to forget the past".

The New York Times

But they could not forget the past few decades.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forget the past" when you want to encourage someone to release the grip past events have on them, particularly when those events are causing distress or hindering progress. It's a directive towards a more forward-looking perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "forget the past" as a quick fix for deep-seated issues or trauma. It's crucial to acknowledge and process past experiences before attempting to move on. Using the phrase without empathy can invalidate someone's feelings and hinder their healing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forget the past" functions as an imperative, urging someone to dismiss or disregard previous events or experiences. It is frequently used to encourage a shift in focus towards the present or future, promoting a sense of renewal and forward momentum. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "forget the past" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to encourage moving forward from previous experiences. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples from diverse sources such as News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts. While its usage is generally straightforward, it's important to consider the specific emotional context and ensure that it doesn't oversimplify complex issues. Alternatives like "move on from the past" or "let go of the past" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Remember to use this phrase with empathy and awareness of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move on from the past

Emphasizes the action of progressing beyond past events, highlighting a forward trajectory.

let go of the past

Focuses on releasing or relinquishing attachment to past events, suggesting a sense of emotional detachment.

put the past behind you

Highlights the act of placing past events in a position of non-importance or irrelevance, encouraging a shift in perspective.

leave the past behind

Similar to "put the past behind you", but with an emphasis on physically or mentally distancing oneself from past experiences.

don't dwell on the past

Advises against prolonged contemplation or rumination on past events, encouraging a focus on the present and future.

look forward, not back

Emphasizes the importance of focusing on future prospects rather than past experiences, suggesting a sense of optimism and anticipation.

start with a clean slate

Implies beginning anew without the burdens or influences of past mistakes or experiences, suggesting a sense of opportunity and renewal.

turn the page

Metaphorically suggests moving on to a new chapter or phase in life, implying a sense of closure and transition.

rebuild your life

Focuses on constructing a new existence after a traumatic or negative experience, highlighting resilience and determination.

forgive and move forward

Combines the act of forgiving past transgressions with the act of advancing towards the future, underscoring the importance of reconciliation and progress.

FAQs

How can I use "forget the past" in a sentence?

You can use "forget the past" to encourage someone to move forward from negative experiences. For example: "It's time to "forget the past" and focus on building a better future."

What can I say instead of "forget the past"?

You can use alternatives like "move on from the past", "let go of the past", or "put the past behind you depending on the context.

Is it always a good idea to "forget the past"?

While "forgetting the past" can be helpful for moving forward, it's not always advisable. Sometimes, reflecting on past experiences is crucial for learning and growth. The key is to find a balance between acknowledging the past and not letting it define your present or future.

What's the difference between ""forget the past"" and "learn from the past"?

"Forget the past" implies disregarding or moving on from past experiences, while "learn from the past" suggests reflecting on past experiences to gain knowledge and insight. They represent different approaches to dealing with past events.