A1verb1K

Forget

UK /["/fəˈɡet/","/fəˈɡets/","/fəˈɡɒt/","/fəˈɡɒtn/","/fəˈɡetɪŋ/"]/US /["/fərˈɡet/","/fərˈɡets/","/fərˈɡɑːt/","/fərˈɡɑːtn/","/fərˈɡetɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to not remember to do something that you ought to do, or to bring or buy something that you ought to bring or buy

In simple words: To fail to remember something.

Examples

  • I always forget where I put my keys.
  • Don't forget to call your mother on her birthday.
  • Sometimes I wish I could forget the bad memories.
  • It's easy to forget the small details when you're busy.
  • She tried to forget about the argument they had.

Usage notes

Use 'forget' in neutral contexts when discussing memory. Avoid in formal writing; consider 'neglect' or 'overlook' instead.

Grammar pattern

forget + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'forgotten' note left behind—something you can't remember.

Collocations

  • completely
  • quite
  • totally
  • seem to
  • tend to
  • want to
  • about
  • forget all about something
  • keep forgetting
  • largely forgotten
  • completely
  • quite
  • totally
  • seem to
  • tend to
  • want to
  • about
  • forget all about something
  • keep forgetting
  • largely forgotten
  • completely
  • quite
  • totally
  • seem to
  • tend to
  • want to
  • about
  • forget all about something
  • keep forgetting
  • largely forgotten

Synonyms

  • neglect
  • overlook
  • disregard
  • dismiss
  • ignore

Antonyms

  • remember
  • recall

Common mistakes

  • 'Forget' is incorrectly used with a gerund (e.g., 'forget doing' instead of 'forget to do').
  • Confusing 'forget' with 'forgive' which have different meanings.
  • Using 'forget' inappropriately in passive forms.