うっかり忘れた時の英語表現｜“Forget”と“Leave”の違いに注意！
In English, we use many words and phrases to talk about memory - especially when we forget things.
Some expressions are polite, some are casual, but we need to use them correctly!
In this post, we’ll focus on useful ways to talk about forgetting, including an important and common mistake: forget vs. leave.
Words Connected to Memory
1. Forget
To forget something means you don’t remember it.
This is the most basic and direct way to say it.
Examples:
“I forgot your name. Can you remind me?”
“Don’t forget to bring your passport.”
Grammar Tip:
forget + to + verb → “I forgot to email him.”
forget + noun → “I forgot my keys.”
2. Slip My Mind
This is a polite way to say that something small or non-urgent was forgotten.
It sounds softer than “I forgot.”
Examples:
“I meant to reply to your message, but it slipped my mind.”
“Her birthday completely slipped my mind this year.”
Tip: This is often used when apologising for small things. It feels honest and natural.
3. It’s On the Tip of My Tongue
This phrase means you almost remember something, but not quite.
Examples:
“What’s that word? It’s on the tip of my tongue.”
“I’m sure I know her name! It’s on the tip of my tongue.”
Cultural Note:
This expression is used in both British and American English, and is very common in daily speech.
4. Lose Track Of
We use this phrase when we stop noticing, listening to, or following something - often time, people, or progress.
Examples:
“I lost track of time and missed my appointment.”
“He lost track of the conversation.”
Grammar Tip:
lose track of + ‘time’
lose track of + a person
lose track of + what you were doing
5. Absent-minded
This adjective describes someone who often forgets small things.
Examples:
“I’m a bit absent-minded… I always lose my phone.”
“My professor was brilliant, but very absent-minded.”
Tone Note:
Absent-minded sounds polite and light. It’s often used in a kind or humorous (cute+funny) way.
Forget vs. Leave
This is a very common mistake for English learners.
“I forgot my bag at the station.” ✘
“I left my bag at the station.” ✔
Here’s the difference:
Forget means you didn’t remember something.
Leave means you didn’t take something with you - it’s still in the place you were.
Use “forget” for things in your mind:
“I forgot your name.”
“Don’t forget to call me.”
Use “leave” for physical objects you didn’t bring:
“I left my phone on the train.”
“She left her jacket in the restaurant.”
Quick Tip:
In spoken English, saying “I forgot my umbrella at home” is not very natural.
Say “I left it at home” or “I forgot to bring it.”
Quick Practice
Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence:
I meant to reply to her, but it completely ______.
Sorry, I ______ my homework at home.
I know the answer… it’s ______ my tongue!
We ______ of time while talking.
He’s a bit ______ — he loses everything.
Final Thoughts
Forgetting happens to everyone, but English gives you many ways to talk about it.
Using the right phrase can help you sound more natural and polite.
Next time you forget something, don’t worry - just choose your words carefully!
Answers:
slipped my mind
left
on the tip of
lost track
absent-minded