is best forgotten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is best forgotten" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something should be disregarded or not remembered, often because it is unpleasant or unimportant. Example: "The incident from last year was quite embarrassing, and I believe it is best forgotten."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

From then on, Cooper would alternate novels with scripts – though the only adaptation, not by her, of one of her own books resulted in a film (The Dark Is Rising, 2007) that is best forgotten.

The Guardian - Books

It is best forgotten.

The Guardian - Opinion

The melted bananas Foster is best forgotten.

The New York Times

Much of his writing is best forgotten.

The Economist

Italian sushi is best forgotten.

The New York Times

The Friday game is best forgotten.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

They are best forgotten.

The Economist

Some years are best forgotten.

Independent

Artists' facilities are best forgotten.

The New York Times - Arts

But mushy crabcakes are best forgotten.

The New York Times

That past might be best forgotten if it wasn't so colorful.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is best forgotten" to gently suggest that dwelling on a past event or mistake is unproductive. It's suitable when encouraging a shift in focus towards more positive or relevant matters.

Common error

Avoid using "is best forgotten" in highly formal or professional settings where a more direct or analytical tone is expected. In such cases, opt for phrases like "should be disregarded" or "is not a viable option" to maintain a professional demeanor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is best forgotten" functions as a passive construction used to express a recommendation or suggestion that something should be disregarded or not remembered. Ludwig AI shows that it is commonly used to dismiss unpleasant or irrelevant topics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

15%

Food

10%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Arts

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is best forgotten" serves as a gentle suggestion to disregard or avoid dwelling on something, often due to its unpleasant or irrelevant nature. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media. While appropriate for general use, it may be less suitable for highly formal settings where more direct language is preferred. Alternatives such as "should be disregarded" or "is not worth remembering" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not worth remembering

Highlights the lack of value or importance in retaining a memory.

is not worth mentioning

Suggests that something is insignificant or unimportant.

ought to be overlooked

Emphasizes the act of intentionally ignoring something, often a mistake or flaw.

should be disregarded

Focuses on the act of ignoring or dismissing something, rather than actively forgetting it.

should not be dwelt upon

Suggests that lingering on a particular topic is unproductive or harmful.

is better left unsaid

Implies that speaking about something would be detrimental or inappropriate.

is something to move on from

Focuses on the act of progressing beyond a negative experience or event.

is water under the bridge

Implies that a past event is over and done with, and should not be revisited.

let's not talk about it

Directly suggests avoiding a topic, often due to its sensitivity.

it's ancient history

Conveys that something happened long ago and is no longer relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "is best forgotten" in a sentence?

You can use "is best forgotten" to suggest that something should be disregarded or not remembered, often because it's unpleasant or unimportant. For instance, "That embarrassing incident "is best forgotten"".

What are some alternatives to "is best forgotten"?

Alternatives include "should be disregarded", "is better left unsaid", or "ought to be overlooked", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "is best forgotten"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest that dwelling on something is unproductive or potentially harmful. It's often used in contexts where encouraging a shift in focus is desired.

Is "is best forgotten" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is best forgotten" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more direct alternatives like "should be disregarded" or "is not a viable option" in those situations.