Forgetting things
Sometimes we can't remember things from the past and sometimes we forget to do important things in the present.
We can use these ten phrases for these situations.
Ten ways to say you have forgotten
casual · neutral · formal
- (I'm afraid) I can't remember.neutralI'm afraid I can't remember his name.
- I've completely forgotten.neutralYour birthday! I've completely forgotten.
- My mind's gone blankcasualI knew the answer, but my mind's gone blank.
- (Sorry) I have no memory of...formalSorry, I have no memory of signing that form.
- (I'm afraid) it doesn't ring a bell.neutral"Do you know Kamal Perera?" "I'm afraid it doesn't ring a bell."
- I have no recollection of...formalI have no recollection of that meeting.
- Sorry, I forgot.casualSorry, I forgot to buy bread.
- I simply forgot to do it.neutralI simply forgot to pay the bill.
- What was I thinking of?casualI left my bag on the train. What was I thinking of?
- Oh no, it completely slipped my mind.neutralOh no, your parcel! It completely slipped my mind.
How to use them
- are for things in the past that we can't remember.
- are for things that we forgot to do in the present.
- gives the idea that I don't remember now but I might remember some time later.
- mean that you don't even remember that you knew the information at one time in the past.
- means that a name, place or face is completely unfamiliar when you see or hear it again.
- suggests that the speaker is angry with himself or herself for forgetting to do something.
Quick check
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"It doesn't ring a bell" means:
Which phrase is formal, for example in court or a report?
You forgot to do something you promised. Which phrase fits?
See also: Remembering things · Reminding someone to do something
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