forgotten something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forgotten something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to an item or piece of information that has been overlooked or not remembered. Example: "I think I've forgotten something important for the meeting." Alternative expressions include "overlooked something" and "neglected something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Has she forgotten something?

The New Yorker

Had she forgotten something?

The New York Times

But they have forgotten something.

The Guardian - Film

She knew they had forgotten something.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's handy if I feel Johnny's forgotten something," he said.

The New York Times

Ms. Streep had forgotten something: how much she likes it.

The New York Times - Arts

Beane looks around as if he has forgotten something.

The New York Times - Magazine

I suddenly had the impression that I had forgotten something, some incident or important word.

The New Yorker

Read on for a comprehensive list so you don't need to worry you've forgotten something.

Independent

I pretended I had forgotten something and pulled her to one side.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But then again and more likely, in six months it will be forgotten -- something the Supreme Court judges may be counting on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "forgotten something", ensure the context clearly indicates what has been forgotten to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "forgotten something important" or "forgotten something crucial".

Common error

Avoid using "forgotten something" without providing any context. Readers may not understand what exactly is missing or overlooked, leading to confusion. Instead of saying "I've forgotten something", specify "I've forgotten my keys" or "I've forgotten the appointment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forgotten something" typically functions as a verb phrase where "forgotten" is the past participle of "forget" and "something" acts as the object. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to indicate a lapse in memory or an oversight. It's often used in contexts where the speaker or someone else has failed to remember a detail, item, or piece of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forgotten something" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a memory lapse or oversight. It functions as a verb phrase with a neutral register, suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. As Ludwig AI data suggests, while the phrase is widely accepted, clarity is essential. Ensure the context provides enough information about what has been "forgotten" to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as "overlooked something" or "neglected something" can offer nuanced meanings, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overlooked something

Emphasizes a failure to notice or consider something important.

neglected something

Suggests a lack of attention or care, leading to forgetting.

omitted something

Focuses on leaving something out intentionally or unintentionally.

missed something

Highlights a failure to catch or remember something.

left something behind

Implies physically or mentally leaving something unattended or unremembered.

failed to recall something

Formally expresses the inability to bring something back to memory.

can't remember something

Directly states the inability to remember a specific detail or item.

it slipped my mind

An idiomatic expression indicating a temporary lapse in memory.

I blanked on something

Suggests a sudden and complete loss of memory regarding a specific thing.

lost track of something

Implies a gradual forgetting or losing awareness of something over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "forgotten something" to indicate a memory lapse or oversight. For example, "I feel like I've forgotten something important for the trip" or "She realized she had "forgotten something" at home and needed to go back".

What are some alternatives to "forgotten something"?

Some alternatives include "overlooked something", "neglected something", or "omitted something". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I have forgotten something" or "I forgot something"?

Both "I have forgotten something" and "I forgot something" are grammatically correct, but "I forgot something" is generally more common in everyday conversation. "I have forgotten something" can sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "forgotten something" and "remembered something"?

"Forgotten something" implies a failure to recall or include something, while "remembered something" means successfully recalling or including it. They are antonyms, representing opposite actions.