Cool MateForgot vs Neglect
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Forgot
Top 1,000 (very common)
Neglect
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Forgot
| Forgot | Neglect | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fəˈɡɒt//🇺🇸 //fərˈɡɑt// | 🇬🇧 //nɪˈɡlɛkt//🇺🇸 //nɪˈɡlɛkt// |
| Meaning | To fail to remember something. | To not pay attention to something or someone. |
| Example | I forgot my wallet at home. | He tends to neglect his health due to his busy schedule. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | forget someone's name, forget a lesson, forget an appointment | neglect responsibilities, neglect duties, neglect health, neglect a cause |
| Antonyms | remember, recall | care, attend, nurture |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'forgot' with 'forget'. 'Forgot' is past tense., Using 'forgot' without an object when it needs one., Mispronouncing the word, especially the ending. | Confused with 'neglected' as past tense only., Used without an object, neglect must involve something specific., Misuse as a synonym for 'ignore' without understanding the depth. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in everyday conversation. Avoid using in very formal writing. More often used in past tense. | Used in formal and informal contexts; avoid in casual conversation unless discussing serious issues. It's appropriate for discussing responsibilities, care, or attention. |
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Frequently asked questions: Forgot vs Neglect
What's the difference between Forgot and Neglect?
Forgot: To fail to remember something. Neglect: To not pay attention to something or someone.
Which is more common: Forgot and Neglect?
Forgot is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Forgot: I forgot my wallet at home. Neglect: He tends to neglect his health due to his busy schedule.
Can I use Forgot and Neglect interchangeably?
Not always. Forgot and Neglect 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.