totally forgot

USAGE SUMMARY

"totally forgot" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express a complete and sudden lack of memory or remembrance of something. It can also imply a sense of surprise or disbelief at having forgotten something. Example: I totally forgot about our meeting this morning. I was so busy with other tasks that it completely slipped my mind.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I totally forgot about it until they put it on the scoreboard," Brodeur said of the record.

The New York Times

"I totally forgot.

The Guardian - Film

I totally forgot they were there.

University of California, Berkeley

You totally forgot about everything else.

The New York Times

"I totally forgot about her," he said.

The New York Times

We had piano, I totally forgot".

The New Yorker

"I totally forgot about this year".

The New York Times - Sports

(5) I did … yeah, I totally forgot about that.

The Guardian - Film

I totally forgot I even had an Instagram account until February when the  play ended".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I totally forgot till I went to get the ashes that I wasn't supposed to have that chocolate doughnut for breakfast.

The Washington Post

I just totally forgot I had them on when I went into bat.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, "totally forgot" can add a realistic touch to characters, making them sound more relatable.

Common error

While "totally forgot" is widely accepted, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for phrases like "completely failed to recall" or "entirely forgot" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally forgot" functions as a declarative statement expressing a complete lack of memory. As Ludwig AI points out, it conveys a sudden realization of having forgotten something. Examples show it is used to admit oversight or negligence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally forgot" is a common phrase used to express a complete lack of memory about something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While predominantly informal, it appears frequently in news, media, and conversational contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "entirely forgot" or "completely failed to recall" may be more suitable. The phrase's versatility and widespread use make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I forgot entirely

Slightly more formal than the original, indicating a full degree of forgetfulness.

it slipped my mind

A common idiom indicating a slight oversight or forgetfulness.

I clean forgot

Simple and straightforward, conveying a complete failure to remember.

completely blanked

Implies a sudden and complete loss of memory, more informal.

I drew a blank

Common idiomatic expression where the memory fails at the point of recall.

it escaped my memory

Suggests that something was once known but is now forgotten.

I couldn't remember at all

Directly states the inability to remember something, emphasizing effort.

utterly failed to recall

More formal and emphasizes the complete inability to remember.

I lost all recollection of

Highlights a total absence of memory about a specific event or detail.

I had a complete memory lapse

Clinical sounding and points to a temporary loss of memory function.

FAQs

What does "totally forgot" mean?

The phrase "totally forgot" means that you completely failed to remember something. It is an informal way to express forgetfulness.

What can I say instead of "totally forgot"?

You can use alternatives like "completely blanked", "utterly failed to recall", or "it slipped my mind" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "totally forgot" in formal writing?

While widely understood, "totally forgot" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "I entirely forgot" or "I completely failed to recall" for a more professional tone.

How can I use "totally forgot" in a sentence?

You can use "totally forgot" in a sentence like: "I "totally forgot" about our meeting this morning!" or "She said she "totally forgot" to bring her homework."