forgotten to update

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forgotten to update" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has not completed an update that was expected or required. Example: "I realized I had forgotten to update the software on my computer, which caused some issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I didn't realise how things had snowballed on Mumsnet – or that I'd forgotten to update it," she said.

The Guardian

"Er... the problem... er... " Behind her, a number of Tory backbenchers suddenly recalled they had forgotten to update their Facebook statuses, and busied themselves determinedly with their iPads and smartphones.

The Guardian

The WWP on the other hand, claims to have found out the same thing 5 years previously, but to have forgotten to update the methods book.

Science Magazine

The app also introduces easier and faster contact sharing so that you no longer have to open your address book only to realize you're missing a close friend's number or have forgotten to update their work email.

TechCrunch

Perhaps they are so focused on finding the perfect candidate and delivering on time, that they have forgotten to update you.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"The stakes are too high for most people – anyone who forgot to update their security could lose their life savings.

The Guardian

A crew can forget to update a ship's transmission data on destinations or cargo when plans change, but that is not necessarily a deliberate deception.

The New York Times

The club forgot to update the Brazilian's residency paperwork and when the Home Office discovered the blunder last May, Sandro was not allowed to play in the final three games of the season, as QPR went down.

The Guardian - Sport

In a current Florida case, a British-born businessman saw his naturalization derailed and was detained for deportation because he forgot to update his home address with the immigration agency, Mr. Brauwerman said.

The New York Times

But even with the best of intentions, people forget to update software, install antivirus programs and so on.The problem is that by weakening their own defences, they do not just make themselves more vulnerable to being hacked; they may also cause harm to other web users by making it possible, say, for an intruder surreptitiously to take over their device and use it to attack other computers.

The Economist

Forget to update beneficiary forms and you could undermine your estate plan.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "forgotten to update", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific item or information was not updated. This prevents ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "forgotten to update" when you mean the ongoing action of forgetting. "Forgotten to update" refers to a past event. Instead, use "forgetting to update" to describe a habitual action of not updating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forgotten to update" functions as part of a verb phrase, often in perfect tenses, indicating a completed action of neglecting to revise or refresh something. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a past event with possible present consequences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

26%

TechCrunch

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Forbes

4%

Huffington Post

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forgotten to update" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a past instance of neglecting an update. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse sources, including news outlets, tech blogs, and wikis. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific item or information that was not updated, and distinguish it from the ongoing action of "forgetting to update". Alternatives like "neglected to update" or "failed to update" may offer more formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglected to update

Replaces "forgotten" with "neglected", emphasizing a lack of attention rather than a memory lapse.

failed to update

Uses "failed" instead of "forgotten", highlighting the lack of completion of the updating action.

didn't remember to update

More explicitly states the lack of remembering, adding slight emphasis.

overlooked updating

Replaces "forgotten to update" with a gerund phrase, indicating a missed opportunity to update.

omitted to update

Emphasizes that the updating action was left out deliberately or unintentionally.

left unupdated

Changes the structure to passive voice, focusing on the state of being not updated.

missed the update

Indicates that an update was available but not applied, often due to oversight.

was remiss in updating

Highlights negligence or carelessness in not performing the update.

avoided updating

Implies a conscious decision to not update, as opposed to a simple forgetting.

deferred updating

Suggests the update was postponed or delayed, leading to it being uncompleted.

FAQs

What is the difference between "forgot to update" and "forgotten to update"?

"Forgot to update" describes a simple past action, while "forgotten to update" is often used in perfect tenses (e.g., "I have forgotten to update the software"), indicating a past action with present relevance.

How can I rephrase "forgotten to update" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "neglected to update" or "failed to update".

What are common things people might say they've "forgotten to update"?

Common examples include software, passwords, contact information, social media profiles, or beneficiary forms.

Is it grammatically correct to say "forgotten updating" instead of "forgotten to update"?

While "forgotten updating" might be understood, it's less common and potentially less clear than "forgotten to update". The infinitive form ("to update") is generally preferred in this context.