i would forget

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I would forget" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that you may not remember something. For example, "I would forget the time we spent together if it weren't for the photos we took."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I would forget to breathe".

The New Yorker

Ah, melt me not to griefs I would forget!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"If I thought this way, I would forget my country".

The New York Times

"I kept lying awake worrying I would forget something, that I would forget Greenwich Village" (Page 506).

The New York Times

"I would forget to take it," and feel "like I couldn't breathe," she said.

The New York Times

I would forget there were places like London that were not centred round libraries and essays.

The Guardian - Books

At times, I would forget she was ill and would moan about my own problems.

The Guardian

"I'd end up buying another black cashmere cardigan because I would forget that I already had a black cashmere cardigan".

The New York Times

It wasn't pretty, and when I tried to add an arm stroke, I would forget to kick.

The New York Times

"Every time I learned a new vocabulary, I would forget the next minute," she said of those early days.

The New York Times

But I would forget how to shoot it if I were near a trans person.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i would forget" to express a hypothetical situation, ensure the context clearly indicates the condition or circumstance that leads to the potential memory lapse.

Common error

Avoid using "i will forget" when you mean a hypothetical or conditional forgetting. "I would forget" suggests a potential outcome in a specific scenario, whereas "I will forget" implies a future certainty.

Linguistic Context

I would forget" functions as a verb phrase expressing a conditional or hypothetical action related to memory. It indicates the possibility of forgetting something under specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i would forget" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a hypothetical or conditional memory lapse. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and useful in a variety of contexts. It is most prevalent in news and media, followed by academic writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context and intended meaning, and consider whether similar phrases like "i might overlook" or "i may just not remember" might be more appropriate. Avoid confusing "would" with "will" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i may just not remember

Expresses uncertainty about recalling something, focuses on the lack of memory.

i might overlook

Suggests a possibility of missing something unintentionally; implies a less certain outcome than forgetting.

i'm liable to let it slip my mind

Highlights the involuntary nature of forgetting, as if the information escapes consciousness.

i could neglect to remember

Emphasizes a failure to recall due to inattention or carelessness.

i'd be forgetful of

A slightly more formal or literary way to express potential forgetfulness.

i am apt to not recall

Highlights a tendency towards forgetting, indicating a personal characteristic.

it's possible i'd fail to mention

Focuses on omitting information, perhaps unintentionally.

i'm wont to leave behind

Implies a habitual tendency to leave things behind, either physically or mentally.

i'm prone to omitting

Suggests a regular pattern of leaving things out, highlighting the omission rather than pure forgetting.

i'm likely to not bring it up

Emphasizes the act of not mentioning something, rather than forgetting it entirely.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "i would forget" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "i am apt to forget", "i might neglect to remember", or "i am inclined to forget". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a heightened level of formality.

What does "i would forget" imply about the speaker's memory?

The phrase "i would forget" suggests a potential for memory lapse under certain conditions. It doesn't necessarily imply a generally poor memory, but rather a likelihood of forgetting in a specific context.

Is it better to say "i would forget" or "i will forget"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "i would forget" for hypothetical situations or conditional statements, while "i will forget" expresses a future certainty. For example, "If I don't write it down, "I would forget"" versus "Without my notes, I will forget the details".

Are there situations where "i tend to forget" is more appropriate than "i would forget"?

Yes, "i tend to forget" is better when describing a general habit or recurring pattern of forgetfulness. "I would forget" is more suited for specific, conditional scenarios, whereas "i tend to forget" describes something that happens frequently. Example: "I tend to forget names" versus "If I'm not paying attention, "I would forget" the instructions".