forgetting things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forgetting things" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing memory lapses or the act of not remembering information. For example, "I often find myself forgetting things when I'm stressed." Alternative expressions include "losing track of things" and "failing to remember."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Different feelings accompanied their experiences of forgetfulness, like being afraid of forgetting things and what the consequences could be.

BMC Public Health

"She's always forgetting things.

The New Yorker

"I began forgetting things.

The New York Times - Health

"I'm always forgetting things," he said.

The New Yorker

My grandmother said that she had been forgetting things.

The New York Times

Whenever there was a baby coming, Martin started forgetting things.

The New York Times - Style

"She was acting strange, forgetting things," Ms. McKay said.

The New York Times

She was not thinking clearly — having trouble with numbers, forgetting things she had just heard.

The New York Times - Health

There are political consequences to remembering things that never happened and forgetting things that did.

The New Yorker

When Awilda Jimenez started forgetting things last year, her husband, Edwin, felt a shiver of dread.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Well, it turns out a couple weekends back I didn't, and you can now see "put briefcase in car" as item 17 on the "weekend commuting checklist". Checklists keep me from forgetting things--and being inconvenienced.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forgetting things" in contexts where the act of forgetting is the focus. For conditions or diagnoses, use more formal language like "memory loss" or "cognitive impairment".

Common error

Avoid using "forgetting things" in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise and technical terms such as "memory impairment" or "cognitive dysfunction" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forgetting things" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the act of forgetting, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

24%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forgetting things" is a common gerund phrase used to describe lapses in memory. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news, media, scientific, and academic contexts. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "memory loss" or "cognitive decline" in professional or scientific settings. Remember to be specific about the type of forgetting you're describing for clarity. According to Ludwig AI analysis, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and can be considered correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not remembering

A straightforward alternative, focusing on the lack of memory.

being forgetful

A simple and direct way to describe the state of forgetting.

memory lapses

Focuses specifically on failures of memory, a more clinical term.

experiencing memory loss

Highlights the experience of losing memories, emphasizing the process.

failing to recall

Highlights the act of not being able to bring something to mind.

having difficulty remembering

Emphasizes the struggle to recall information.

cognitive decline

A more formal term suggesting a deterioration in cognitive functions, including memory.

absent-mindedness

Describes a general state of being forgetful or inattentive.

mental blanks

Implies temporary periods where memory is inaccessible.

negligence

Suggests a failure to remember due to carelessness or lack of attention.

FAQs

What does "forgetting things" generally refer to?

The phrase "forgetting things" refers to the act of being unable to recall information, events, or details that were previously known or experienced. It encompasses a range of memory lapses, from minor everyday occurrences to more significant memory impairments.

When should I use "forgetting things" versus more formal terms like "memory loss"?

"Forgetting things" is suitable for informal contexts and general discussions. In formal or medical settings, use terms like "memory loss" or "cognitive impairment" to maintain a professional tone.

What are some common reasons for "forgetting things"?

Common causes include stress, lack of sleep, aging, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. If memory lapses become frequent or disruptive, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.

What can I say instead of "forgetting things"?

You can use alternatives like "memory lapses", "difficulty remembering", or "absent-mindedness" depending on the context.