Conjugation of "Forget" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To fail to remember something or someone.
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All 12 Tenses of "Forget"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "forget" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I forget |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I forgetted |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will forget |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am forgetting |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was forgetting |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be forgetting |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have forgetted |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had forgetted |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have forgetted |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been forgetting |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been forgetting |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been forgetting |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Forget" — Forgot
The past simple of "forget" is "forgot". Use it for completed actions at a specific past time. Because "forget" is irregular, "forgot" is not formed by adding -ed — you have to memorize this form. See our simple past tense guide for a deeper explanation of the simple past.
- She forgot the address of the restaurant. A1
Past Participle of "Forget" — Forgotten
The past participle of "forget" is "forgotten". Use it after "have/has/had" for the perfect tenses ("I have forgotten"), and after "be" for passive constructions ("It was forgotten"). Because "forget" is irregular, "forgotten" is not the same as the past simple — students often confuse the two forms.
Is "Forget" Regular or Irregular?
"Forget" is an irregular English verb. Its principal parts are: base form "forget", past simple "forgot", and past participle "forgotten". The 3rd-person singular present is "forgets" and the present participle/gerund is "forgetting". Conjugation pattern: ablaut: et-ot-otten.
Conjugation pattern: ablaut: et-ot-otten
How to Pronounce "Forget" and Its Forms
Forget: /fərˈɡɛt/ — Stress pattern: oO
Stress the second syllable: for-GET. The first 'for' is unstressed and quick.
Common mispronunciation of "forget"
Stress is on second syllable; avoid stressing first: should be for-GET not FOR-get.
Syllable breakdown: for · get
How to Use "Forget" — Common Grammar Patterns
Use for losing memory or failing to do something. Essential for daily life and common mistakes learners make.
V + object/nounV + to-infinitive (forget to do something)V + about (phrasal)
Example Sentences with "Forget" in Different Tenses
- Simple Present: I always forget my keys at home. A1
- Simple Past: She forgot the address of the restaurant. A1
Common Collocations with "Forget"
- forget to do — Don't forget to email the boss.
- forget about — Just forget about what happened.
- completely forget — I completely forgot our meeting.
- forget someone's name — I always forget people's names.
- forget the past — It's time to forget the past and move on.
When to Use "Forget" vs Similar Verbs
"forget" vs "forgive"
Similar pronunciation but different meaning: forgive means pardon/excuse; forget means lose memory.
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- overlook — when you fail to notice something deliberately or
- miss — when you fail to do something important due
Antonyms: remember, recall
Common Mistakes with "Forget"
-
Wrong: I forget to bring my keys yesterday.
Correct: I forgot to bring my keys yesterday.
Use past tense "forgot" for completed past actions. -
Wrong: She forgetting his name.
Correct: She forgot his name. / She is forgetting his name.
Use simple past or continuous; "she forgetting" is incomplete. -
Wrong: Have you forgot your notebook?
Correct: Have you forgotten your notebook?
Past participle is "forgotten", not "forgot".
Origin and Etymology of "Forget"
From Old English 'forgietan' meaning to lose memory of.
Other Forms of "Forget"
- Noun: forgetting
- Adjective: forgetful
Conjugation Tables for "Forget"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not forget · He does not forget
- Simple past: I did not forget · She did not forget
- Present perfect: I have not forgotten · He has not forgotten
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you forget? · Does he forget?
- Simple past: Did you forget?
- Present perfect: Have you forgotten?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is forgotten
- Simple past passive: It was forgotten
- Present perfect passive: It has been forgotten
Frequently Asked Questions About "Forget"
- Is "forget" regular or irregular?
- "forget" is an irregular verb. Its past simple is "forgetted" and past participle is "forgetted". You must memorize these forms.
- What is the past tense of "forget"?
- The simple past of "forget" is "forgetted".
- Are the past simple and past participle the same for "forget"?
- Yes, for this irregular verb, both the past simple and past participle are "forgetted".
- What's a common mistake with "forget"?
- Use past tense "forgot" for completed past actions. Wrong: "I forget to bring my keys yesterday." Correct: "I forgot to bring my keys yesterday."