have been forgetting

USAGE SUMMARY

"have been forgetting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an action that started in the past and is still occurring in the present. For example, "I have been forgetting my lunch at home and have to go out to buy something to eat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

G.M. said it was the first station wagon in Cadillac's history, although someone must have been forgetting the hearses.

The New York Times

People have been forgetting their cellphones in bars for as long as there have been vodka tonics.

Forbes

In the last year I have been forgetting to notice my gas gauge, and I ran out of gas once on the expressway!

Huffington Post

That is why you have seen that I have been forgetting to put on the timer as I move the beads.

Health Policy and Planning

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The lesson may have been forgotten.

The New Yorker

His dye formulas have been forgotten.

The New York Times - Arts

How could she have been forgotten?

The Guardian - Film

The words "in solidarity" have been forgotten.

The Guardian - Opinion

All these lessons have been forgotten.

The Guardian - Business

Now it seems promises have been forgotten.

The New York Times

Extraordinarily, this seems to have been forgotten.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been forgetting" to describe a recurring failure to remember something, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the forgetfulness. For instance, "I have been forgetting to bring my reusable bags to the grocery store lately."

Common error

Avoid using "have been forgetting" when describing a single, isolated incident of forgetting. Instead, use the simple past tense. For example, say "I forgot my keys this morning" instead of "I have been forgetting my keys this morning" if it only happened once.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been forgetting" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. It indicates an action of forgetting that started in the past and continues into the present. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been forgetting" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a repeated action of forgetting that started in the past and continues to the present. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, it's found in contexts such as news, media, and scientific publications. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate its continuous nature from the simple past or present perfect tenses, and consider using alternative phrases if a more specific meaning is needed. Remember to use "have been forgetting" to describe a recurring failure and avoid it when describing a single instance of forgetting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been failing to remember

Explicitly states the inability to recall information or events.

have been neglecting

Focuses on a lack of care or attention, implying a passive form of forgetting.

have been overlooking

Emphasizes missing something important, suggesting a failure to notice.

have been losing track of

Indicates a gradual detachment or inability to monitor something.

have been ignoring

Highlights a deliberate choice to disregard or not pay attention.

have been disregarding

Suggests a conscious decision to dismiss or not consider something.

have been omitting

Focuses on leaving something out, either intentionally or unintentionally.

have been bypassing

Indicates going around or avoiding something, suggesting a form of neglect.

have been skipping

Implies intentionally missing steps or elements, leading to a form of forgetting.

have been shirking

Suggests avoiding responsibility or duty, indirectly leading to forgetting.

FAQs

How do I use "have been forgetting" correctly in a sentence?

Use "have been forgetting" to describe a repeated action of forgetting over a period of time. For example, "I have been forgetting to water the plants every week."

What's the difference between "have been forgetting" and "have forgotten"?

"Have been forgetting" implies a continuous action of forgetting over a period, whereas "have forgotten" ("have forgotten") suggests a completed action with present consequences. For example, "I have been forgetting my appointments lately" versus "I have forgotten my appointment today."

What can I say instead of "have been forgetting"?

You can use alternatives like "have been neglecting", "have been overlooking", or "have been failing to remember" depending on the context.

Is "have been forgetting" formal or informal?

"Have been forgetting" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation to determine if a more formal alternative is necessary.