he was forgotten

USAGE SUMMARY

"he was forgotten" is correct and usable in written English.
For example: "John was a beloved member of the community, but after he passed away, he was quickly forgotten."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Instead, he was forgotten inside the cell for four days.

The New York Times

After release he was forgotten and passed the rest of his life in obscurity and poverty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Highly regarded in his lifetime, he was forgotten in the country he lived in and wrote about, England, and outside.

Independent

Desargues's work was well known by his contemporaries, but half a century after his death he was forgotten.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the steam-powered fire engine arrived, however, he was forgotten.

The New York Times

Because he was such a part of that golden age of Hollywood and it was over, he was forgotten".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"He was forgetting everything.

The New York Times - Sports

He was forgetting to show up to practice.

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't that he was forgetting things: he had always forgotten things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's forgotten his clothes.

The Guardian - Music

He's forgotten it already".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was forgotten" to convey a sense of neglect or the passage of time leading to obscurity. Ensure the context clearly establishes who 'he' refers to and why they were forgotten.

Common error

Avoid using "he was forgotten by himself" as it's grammatically incorrect and redundant. The passive voice already implies an external agent or circumstance caused the forgetting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was forgotten" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ('he') is the recipient of the action (being forgotten). Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing the loss of fame or recognition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was forgotten" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone who has faded from memory or public consciousness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It's particularly prevalent in news and historical contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about who 'he' refers to and the circumstances surrounding their being forgotten. Alternatives like "he slipped into obscurity" or "he faded from memory" can provide nuanced variations. Avoid redundant constructions like "he was forgotten by himself". While a common phrase, mindful and precise use will greatly enhance your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was unremembered

This alternative directly states the lack of remembrance.

he faded from memory

This alternative highlights the loss of remembrance.

he slipped into obscurity

This alternative focuses on the gradual loss of recognition.

he was lost to time

This phrase emphasizes the destructive power of time on memory.

he was relegated to the margins of history

This phrase emphasizes a more forceful removal from prominence.

he was overlooked

This phrase suggests a lack of initial consideration.

he was disregarded

This phrase highlights a conscious decision to ignore or dismiss him.

he was consigned to oblivion

This alternative conveys a complete and irreversible state of being forgotten.

he was passed over

This phrase suggests a deliberate choice to ignore him.

he became a nonentity

This alternative emphasizes the loss of importance or significance.

FAQs

What does "he was forgotten" mean?

The phrase "he was forgotten" means that a person was once known or remembered, but is no longer thought about or recognized by others. It implies a loss of memory or recognition over time.

How can I use "he was forgotten" in a sentence?

You can use "he was forgotten" to describe someone whose contributions or existence have faded from public consciousness. For example, "Despite his early success, "he slipped into obscurity" and he was forgotten by many."

What are some alternatives to saying "he was forgotten"?

Some alternatives include "he was overlooked", "he faded from memory", or "he was unremembered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "he is forgotten" instead of "he was forgotten"?

While grammatically possible, "he is forgotten" suggests that he is currently in the process of being forgotten or that his state of being forgotten is ongoing. "He was forgotten" indicates a completed action in the past, implying that the process of forgetting is finished.