Cool MateDon't even think about it vs Forget it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Don't even think about it
InformalHigh-frequency chunk
Forget it
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most common: Don't even think about it
| Don't even think about it | Forget it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt ˈiːvən θɪŋk əˈbaʊt ɪt//🇺🇸 //doʊnt ˈivən θɪŋk əˈbaʊt ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //fərˈɡɛt ɪt//🇺🇸 //fərˈɡɛt ɪt// |
| Meaning | Don't consider it at all. | Don't worry about it. |
| Example | If she suggests going to that dangerous place, just say, 'Don't even think about it!' | If you didn’t understand, forget it. |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | High-frequency chunk | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | don't even consider it, don't even mention it, don't even joke about it | forget it all, just forget it, forget it for now |
| Antonyms | - | remember it, keep it in mind, never forget |
| Common mistakes | Used too formally in business contexts., Confused with 'Don't think about it', which can sound less emphatic., Omitted 'it' and makes it unclear what to not think about. | Using in formal contexts where it sounds dismissive., Misplacing it in a sentence, as it stands alone., Confusing it with 'don't worry' which has a different nuance. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to warn someone against considering a particular idea. It's informal and can be a light-hearted or serious warning, depending on tone. | Use in casual conversations to dismiss something. Not suitable for formal settings or serious topics. |
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Frequently asked questions: Don't even think about it vs Forget it
What's the difference between Don't even think about it and Forget it?
Don't even think about it: Don't consider it at all. Forget it: Don't worry about it.
Which is more common: Don't even think about it and Forget it?
Don't even think about it is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Don't even think about it: If she suggests going to that dangerous place, just say, 'Don't even think about it!' Forget it: If you didn’t understand, forget it.
Can I use Don't even think about it and Forget it interchangeably?
Not always. Don't even think about it and Forget it 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.