lest we forget

USAGE SUMMARY

"Lest we forget" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to remind someone not to forget or overlook something. For example: "Lest we forget, we must always strive for peace and justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Judge of the Nations, spare us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget.

The New York Times

Lest we forget, football is entertainment.

The New Yorker

Lest we forget how quickly the offense becomes the defense!

The New Yorker

Lest we forget, Dublin isn't situated in the Mediterranean.

The New York Times

Lest we forget, Gore got more votes than Bush.

The New Yorker

Photograph: Jonathan Short/Invision/AP More from Lest We Forget.

The Guardian - Music

NEWARK PUBLIC LIBRARY "African-American Firsts: Lest We Forget," exhibition.

The New York Times

Photograph: Jim Dyson/Getty Images Lest We Forget.

The Guardian - Music

Photograph: Jonathan Short/Invision/AP Lest We Forget.

The Guardian - Music

Lest we forget, university tuition fees trebled last year.

The Guardian

Lest we forget, it would also enhance England's chances this autumn.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase when reminding people of something they might be inclined to overlook, especially when it has significant implications.

Common error

Avoid using "lest we forget" in casual or overly informal settings. Its somewhat formal tone can sound out of place in everyday conversation or lighthearted writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lest we forget" functions as an adverbial clause of purpose, introducing a statement that something should be remembered to prevent a negative outcome. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment and the numerous examples available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lest we forget" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the importance of remembering something significant. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its function is to introduce a statement that should not be overlooked, often in formal contexts such as news articles, business documents, and commemorative speeches. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a more emphatic and slightly formal tone is appropriate. Alternatives include "let us remember" and "we must not forget", but "lest we forget" carries a unique weight due to its slightly archaic and solemn nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we must not forget

Emphasizes the necessity of remembering, highlighting the importance of the information or event.

let us remember

A direct and emphatic call to remember something, often used to introduce a point that should not be overlooked.

don't let us forget

Implies a shared responsibility to remember, reminding the audience to keep something in mind.

so that we don't forget

Expresses the purpose of remembering something in a more explicit and less idiomatic way.

never forget

A strong imperative, urging permanent remembrance and preventing potential oversight.

in remembrance of

Focuses specifically on honoring the memory of someone or something, often used in commemorative contexts.

it should be remembered that

Draws attention to a specific fact or detail that is crucial to consider.

bear in mind

Similar to "keep in mind", but suggests a more thoughtful consideration of the information.

keep in mind

A general reminder to consider something, suitable for a wide range of contexts.

let's not overlook

Shifts focus to avoiding oversight, ensuring that something important is not missed.

FAQs

How can I use "lest we forget" in a sentence?

Use "lest we forget" to introduce a crucial point that should not be overlooked. For example, "Lest we forget, the sacrifices made by those who came before us paved the way for our current freedoms."

What are some alternatives to "lest we forget"?

You can use alternatives such as "let us remember", "we must not forget", or "it should be remembered that", depending on the context.

What does "lest we forget" emphasize?

"Lest we forget" emphasizes the importance of remembering something significant, often highlighting a historical event, sacrifice, or crucial fact that should not be overlooked.

Is "lest we forget" appropriate for formal or informal writing?

"Lest we forget" is generally more suitable for formal writing or solemn occasions due to its slightly archaic and emphatic tone. In informal settings, alternatives like "don't forget" or "remember" may be more appropriate.