forgotten about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forgotten about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that has been forgotten. For example, "I completely forgot about the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's forgotten about.

The New Yorker

He'd forgotten about the dog.

The New Yorker

I'd completely forgotten about it.

The New York Times

I'd forgotten about commuter traffic.

The New York Times

"I'd forgotten about the jewelry.

The New Yorker

I had forgotten about that.

The New Yorker

Had she forgotten about it?

The New Yorker

He'd forgotten about that.

The New Yorker

"I'd forgotten about it.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd forgotten about him.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is Forgotten-About France.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "forgotten about", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what has forgotten the subject. For example, "The details were quickly forgotten about by everyone involved."

Common error

Avoid using "forgotten about" in passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead of "It was forgotten about", specify who forgot it: "The team had forgotten about the deadline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forgotten about" primarily functions as a phrasal verb in the passive voice. It signifies that something has been removed from memory or is no longer under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forgotten about" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to indicate that something or someone is no longer remembered or considered. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While alternatives like "slipped from memory" or "relegated to obscurity" exist, "forgotten about" remains a direct and widely understood way to express a lack of remembrance or importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no longer remembered

A straightforward way of stating that something is not currently being recalled.

become a distant memory

Emphasizes the remoteness and vagueness of something that was once known.

slipped from memory

Focuses on the gradual disappearance of something from one's recollection.

fallen by the wayside

Suggests something has been abandoned or neglected, leading to its being forgotten.

relegated to obscurity

Emphasizes the act of something being pushed into a state of being unknown or unimportant.

passed from consciousness

Indicates something has exited from active awareness.

consigned to the past

Highlights the act of something being deliberately assigned to a previous time or state.

faded into oblivion

Implies a complete and irreversible disappearance from awareness or memory.

passed into oblivion

Indicates a transition from a state of being known to one of being completely forgotten.

out of sight, out of mind

An idiomatic expression indicating that something not currently visible or present is easily forgotten.

FAQs

How can I use "forgotten about" in a sentence?

You can use "forgotten about" to indicate that something or someone is no longer remembered or considered. For instance, "The old traditions have been "forgotten about" by many.".

What's the difference between "forgotten about" and "forgotten"?

"Forgotten" implies a state of being not remembered, while "forgotten about" often suggests a more active or deliberate act of setting something aside in one's memory. For example, "I had "forgotten" my keys" versus "I had "forgotten about" the appointment".

What are some alternatives to using "forgotten about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "slipped from memory", "relegated to obscurity", or "passed into oblivion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "forgotten" or "forgotten about" in formal writing?

Both "forgotten" and "forgotten about" are acceptable in formal writing, but "forgotten" is often preferred for its conciseness. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis. "Forgotten" is more direct.