Learning English can be a challenge, especially when you're trying to communicate in a way that accurately conveys your thoughts and feelings. One common issue that many English learners face is forgetting words or phrases, which can be frustrating and lead to a breakdown in communication. In this article, we'll explore a few ways to say "I forgot" in English, so you can keep the conversation flowing smoothly.
Don't ring a bell
Have you ever been asked about something and just couldn't remember it? Maybe it was a person's name or a specific event. In situations like these, you can use the phrase "doesn't ring a bell" to convey that you don't remember. For example, if someone asks you if you've met their friend Sarah before, you can respond by saying, "Sorry, that name doesn't ring a bell."
Go in one ear and out the other
Sometimes we hear things, but they don't stick in our memory. This can happen when we're not paying attention, or when the information just isn't that important to us. In situations like these, you can use the phrase "go in one ear and out the other" to explain that you forgot what you heard. For example, if someone asks you what your boss said in the morning meeting, you can respond by saying, "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention. What did you say? It went in one ear and out the other."
Be on the tip of your tongue
Have you ever known something but just couldn't quite remember it? Maybe you were trying to recall a word or a phrase, but it just wouldn't come to mind. In situations like these, you can use the phrase "on the tip of my tongue" to convey that you know the information, but you can't quite remember it. For example, if someone asks you for the name of an actor in a movie, you can respond by saying, "Ugh, I know his name. It's on the tip of my tongue!"
Lost the train of thought
Have you ever been in the middle of a thought or a conversation and just completely forgotten what you were going to say? Maybe you got distracted, or maybe you just lost your train of thought. In situations like these, you can use the phrase "lost the train of thought" to explain that you forgot what you were going to say. For example, if you were in the middle of telling someone a story and forgot the punchline, you can say, "I was going to tell you something, but I lost my train of thought."
Learning how to express forgetfulness is an essential part of English communication. These four phrases are just a few examples of the many ways you can convey that you forgot something in English. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep using these phrases in your conversations to help improve your English skills.