forgive and forget

USAGE SUMMARY

"forgive and forget" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is an idiom used to emphasize the importance of letting go of past hurts, disagreements, or grievances and moving on with life. For example: "I know it was a tough situation, but let's forgive and forget and carry on with our friendship as if nothing happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Forgive "without" forgetting... or, forgive "and" forget.

WikiHow

"You forgive and forget".

The New York Times

They may forgive and forget.

The Guardian - Opinion

The lesson: forgive and forget.

Yale University

"We can't forgive and forget.

The New York Times

"Then they forgive and forget".

The New York Times

They can't forgive and forget.

The New York Times - Arts

We have to forgive and forget".

The New York Times

PROSECUTE and punish, or forgive and forget?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is forgive-and-forget.

Huffington Post

After that, the motto is 'forgive and forget'.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, use it sparingly as it is a well-worn idiom; consider more precise terms like 'reconciliation' for academic or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "forgive and forget" in professional or legal contexts where accountability is still required. Forgiveness is an emotional state, while forgetting can imply a lack of necessary record-keeping or learning from a mistake. If the situation requires a record of the event, consider using "move forward without prejudice" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forgive and forget" acts as an idiomatic verb phrase, often used as a compound infinitive or a coordinated imperative. According to Ludwig, it serves to express a singular conceptual action of total pardon. It is frequently seen following modal verbs like 'must', 'can' or 'should'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "forgive and forget" is a universally recognized and grammatically correct idiom used to describe total reconciliation. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency across a wide range of authoritative sources, from The New York Times to Yale University curriculum units. While it is highly effective for general communication and journalism, writers should be mindful of its idiomatic nature and consider more formal alternatives in professional settings where precision is paramount. Overall, it remains one of the most powerful phrases in the English language for expressing the act of letting go.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let bygones be bygones

Uses a more traditional idiomatic structure to express the exact same sentiment.

bury the hatchet

Emphasizes the active ending of a conflict rather than just the mental act of forgetting.

wipe the slate clean

Suggests a fresh start where past mistakes are no longer recorded or held against someone.

let it go

A more contemporary and simplified version focusing on releasing personal resentment.

move on

Broader in scope, focusing on the future without necessarily specifying forgiveness.

pardon and move past

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the decision to ignore the grievance.

reconcile differences

More formal and implies a mutual process rather than a personal choice.

turn the other cheek

Carries a religious or moral connotation of non-retaliation.

absolve and overlook

More clinical or legalistic in tone.

smoke the pipe of peace

A less common cultural idiom for ending a feud.

FAQs

How to use "forgive and forget" in a sentence?

You can use it as a complete thought or a goal, for example: "After years of tension, the two brothers finally decided to forgive and forget."

What can I say instead of "forgive and forget"?

Depending on your context, you could use "let bygones be bygones", "bury the hatchet", or simply "move on".

Is it "forgive and forget" or "forgive but not forget"?

Both are correct but have different meanings. "forgive and forget" implies total dismissal of the issue, while "forgive but not forget" means you have pardoned the person but will remain cautious in the future.

Is "forgive and forget" a cliché?

Yes, it is a common idiom. In creative writing, you might want to replace it with a more descriptive phrase like "release the grudge" to avoid sounding repetitive.