Let's just forget it vs Move on

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Let's just forget it

InformalTop 3,000 (common)

Move on

Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Move onMost common: Move on
 Let's just forget itMove on
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //lɛts dʒʌst fəˈɡɛt ɪt//🇺🇸 //lɛts dʒʌst fərˈɡɛt ɪt//🇬🇧 //muːv ɒn//🇺🇸 //muːv ɑn//
MeaningDon't think about it anymore.To start doing something new after something else has ended.
ExampleAfter the argument, she said, 'Let's just forget it.'After the breakup, it took her a while to move on.
RegisterInformalNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationsforget about it, just let it go, move on from itmove on from the past, move on to bigger things, move on in life, move on after loss, move on quickly
Common mistakesUsing it in formal discussions., Confusing it with 'let's remember it'., Saying 'lets' instead of 'let's'.Confused with 'move out', which means to leave a place., Using 'move on' without a context of change., Incorrect verb tense (e.g., saying 'moved on to' instead of 'move on to').
Usage notesUsed in casual conversations to indicate abandoning a topic. Usually appropriate among friends, but may sound dismissive in formal situations.Used when transitioning from one phase or idea to another. Common in conversations about change, but less formal in professional settings.

See it in real clips

Let's just forget it
Move on

Frequently asked questions: Let's just forget it vs Move on

What's the difference between Let's just forget it and Move on?

Let's just forget it: Don't think about it anymore. Move on: To start doing something new after something else has ended.

Which is more formal: Let's just forget it and Move on?

Move on is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Let's just forget it and Move on?

Move on is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Let's just forget it: After the argument, she said, 'Let's just forget it.' Move on: After the breakup, it took her a while to move on.

Can I use Let's just forget it and Move on interchangeably?

Not always. Let's just forget it and Move on are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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