we shall never forget

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "We shall never forget" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase that conveys a strong sense of determination to keep a memory alive. It can be used in a variety of contexts, ranging from the solemn to the celebratory. For example, you might say, "We shall never forget the bravery of the soldiers who fought in World War II."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

We shall never forget him.

The New York Times

We shall never forget her.

The New York Times

Not to forget it — no, we shall never forget.

The New York Times

We shall never forget your kindness, generosity and enthusiasm for life.

The New York Times

Howard was a special friend and we shall never forget the warmth and compassion he showed us.

The New York Times

We shall never forget nor escape you, nor make terms With your enemies, the swift departing years.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Thus it was that Mark sang his first Peter Grimes last year in a performance of Britten's masterpiece I shall never forget, for we, the audience, were the villagers and fishermen.

The Guardian - Music

I shall never forget the time when we were together in our dreams... Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr.

Vice

Despite this, Ellison clearly enjoyed the experience of touring with the team, and in 1902 he wrote—"I shall never forget the trip, notwithstanding the extremely heavy programme of fixtures we had to go through.

Wikipedia

I shall never forget one sentence in that prayer: "Lord, way down here in Tatnall county, we can't join the N.A.A.C.P., but thanks to your bountiful blessings, we can feed the N.A.A.C.P. lawyers".

The New Yorker

I shall never forget them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we shall never forget" to convey a strong sense of collective memory and determination, particularly in commemorative or memorial contexts. It's most impactful when used to honor individuals or events of significant importance.

Common error

Avoid using "we shall never forget" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for occasions that genuinely warrant such a solemn and emphatic declaration. Consider more nuanced phrasing for less significant events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we shall never forget" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a collective commitment to retain a specific memory. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we shall never forget" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a strong commitment to remembering. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral to formal register. Alternatives like "we will always remember" or "it will not be forgotten" can be used for similar effect, but "we shall never forget" emphasizes a solemn, collective and firm pledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we will always remember

Replaces "shall" with "will" and "never forget" with "always remember", emphasizing ongoing remembrance.

we must not forget

Emphasizes a moral imperative to remember, indicating a strong sense of duty.

we pledge to remember

Focuses on a formal commitment to remember, highlighting the act of promising.

it will not be forgotten

Shifts from an active to a passive voice, focusing on the act of forgetting rather than the actors.

the memory will endure

Highlights the enduring nature of the memory, focusing on its longevity.

this will remain in our hearts

Uses a more emotional and personal tone, emphasizing lasting affection and remembrance.

this is forever imprinted on us

Uses the term "imprinted" to showcase the permanent impact.

it will always be cherished

Emphasizes the value and care with which the memory will be held.

it is etched in our memories

Employs a metaphor to convey the permanence of the memory.

we are eternally grateful

Shifts the focus to gratitude, implying an unforgettable act of kindness or sacrifice.

FAQs

How to use "we shall never forget" in a sentence?

This phrase is typically used to express a strong commitment to remembering an event, person, or idea. For example, "We shall never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans".

What can I say instead of "we shall never forget"?

You can use alternatives like "we will always remember", "it will not be forgotten", or "this will remain in our hearts" depending on the context.

Is "we will never forget" or "we shall never forget" more correct?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "we shall never forget" has a slightly more formal and emphatic tone. "We will never forget" is more commonly used in contemporary English.

What's the difference between "we shall never forget" and "we must not forget"?

"We shall never forget" expresses a strong commitment to remembering, while "we must not forget" emphasizes a moral or ethical obligation to remember. The latter suggests a potential consequence if the memory fades.