We have all experienced the feeling of forgetting something. But did you know that the verb forget can express different shades of meaning depending on its structure? Using the wrong forget structure can make your sentence unclear or confusing. So, should you use forget to V or forget Ving? This article from IDP will guide you through how to use the correct form of forget in English.
1. What Does "Forget" Mean?
Forget is a verb that describes the inability to recall something, such as an event or a method. Simply put, it means “to fail to remember.” However, forget carries more subtle meanings in communication, such as:
Forgetting an event Example: I forgot that Sarah’s birthday is today.
Forgetting to do something important Example: I forgot to lock the door before leaving, so we had to go back to check it.
Forgetting to bring something Example: She forgot to bring her umbrella and got drenched in the rain.
Letting go of someone or something Example: Forget about the missed deadline and focus on the tasks ahead.
2. Common Structures with "Forget" and How to Use Them
Forget is a flexible verb that can be used in various sentence patterns to express different meanings. Below are the most common forget structures:
Forget to V vs Forget Ving
Forget to V: Used when someone forgets to do something (an action that has not been done).
Structure: S + forget + to V
Example: She forgot to email the client before the meeting.
Forget Ving: Used when someone forgets that they have already done something in the past.
Structure: S + forget + Ving
Example: I forgot calling my mom this morning and tried to call her again.
Don’t Forget + to V
Used as a reminder not to forget doing something.
Structure: Don’t forget + to V
Example: Don’t forget to bring your ID to the IELTS exam.
Forget About + N/Ving
Used when referring to forgetting a person, an event, or an action.
Structure: S + forget about + N/Ving
Example: She forgot about the dinner reservation and ended up cooking at home.
Forget That + Clause
Used when referring to forgetting a piece of information or a specific event.
Structure: S1 + forget + (that) + S2 + V...
Example: He forgot that she had already given him the document.
Forget Oneself
Refers to someone losing control of their emotions or actions.
Structure: S + forget + yourself/herself/himself…
Example: He forgot himself in anger and made some hurtful comments.
3. Forget vs Regret vs Remember
The verbs forget, regret, and remember can all be followed by to V or Ving, but their meanings vary depending on context. Here is a quick comparison:
Criteria | Forget | Regret | Remember |
|---|---|---|---|
Structure | forget + to V / Ving | regret + to V / Ving | remember + to V / Ving |
Meaning (to V) | Forget to do something | Regret having to do or say something | Remember to do something |
Meaning (Ving) | Forget having done something | Regret doing something in the past | Remember having done something |
Example (to V) | I forgot to feed the cat this morning. | We regret to announce the delay. | Remember to call me when you arrive. |
Example (Ving) | She forgot locking the car. | He regretted wasting time. | I remember meeting him at the party. |
4. Common Idioms with "Forget"
Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
Forget oneself | To lose self-control |
Forget it | Used to dismiss a concern or suggestion |
Forget about it | Used to say something is not worth discussing |
Forgive and forget | To forgive and not hold a grudge |
Clean forget | To forget something completely and unintentionally |
Don’t forget to… | A reminder to do something important |
5. Practice Exercises with Answers
Exercise: Fill in the correct verb form.
She forgot ___ (submit) her application and missed the deadline.
I’ll never forget ___ (see) the Eiffel Tower for the first time.
Don’t forget ___ (set) your alarm tonight; you have an early meeting tomorrow.
He forgot ___ (take) his passport so he couldn’t board the flight.
I forgot ___ (buy) milk yesterday, and now there’s none left in the fridge.
She never forgets ___ (send) her grandmother a yearly birthday card.
We forgot ___ (turn off) the lights before leaving the house.
They forgot ___ (bring) their tickets to the concert.
She forgot ___ (call) her parents before leaving for the airport.
I forgot how ___ (solve) this math problem.
Answers:
to submit
seeing
to set
to take
buying
to send
to turn off
to bring
to call
to solve
Master the Structure "Forget" with IDP to Succeed in IELTS
Understanding the difference between forget to V and forget Ving will make your sentences clearer and more natural. Remember:
Forget to V refers to forgetting to do something in the future.
Forget Ving refers to forgetting that something was already done in the past.
Regular practice will help you feel more confident and fluent in your speaking and writing, especially for the IELTS exam.
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