In our busy lives, it’s not uncommon to forget things. Whether it’s a meeting, a task, or an important date, acknowledging this can be tricky. Instead of simply saying “I forgot about it,”.
Discover alternative ways to say “I forgot about it” in different contexts. This guide provides polite, casual, and professional phrases, helping you express forgetfulness gracefully while maintaining credibility in conversations. Perfect for emails, apologies, or light-hearted chats.
There are various other expressions you can use to convey the same sentiment. Here, we’ll explore alternative phrases that will help you communicate effectively and maintain professionalism, along with suitable scenario examples.
List Of Other Ways to Say ‘I Forgot About It’
- I neglected to remember.
- I lost track of it.
- I overlooked it.
- I spaced out on that.
- I didn’t keep it in mind.
- It slipped my mind.
- I completely missed it.
- I failed to recall.
- I overlooked the deadline.
- I didn’t have it noted down.
- I wasn’t aware of it.
- I neglected to mention it.
- I misjudged the timeline.
- I didn’t have it logged.
- I misjudged the importance.
- I spent too much time on other tasks.
- I didn’t jot it down.
1. I Overlooked It
Overlooking something can happen to anyone, and this phrase indicates that it was unintentional.
Example Email: Subject: Follow-Up on Project Deadline
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to reach out regarding the project deadline we discussed last week. I must admit, I overlooked the due date amidst my other commitments. I understand the importance of timely submissions, and I’m currently working on it to ensure we meet the timeline. Thank you for your understanding, and I’ll keep you updated.
Best,
Hannah
Additions: Using “overlooked” implies that it was a minor error, and it may help to express your current focus on correcting the mistake. This phrase maintains a positive tone while acknowledging the oversight.
2. It Slipped My Mind
This phrase suggests that the information simply left your mind, which can happen due to the busyness of life.
Example Email: Subject: Reminder About Team Meeting
Hi Mia,
I wanted to touch base regarding the team meeting scheduled for tomorrow. I’m sorry, but it completely slipped my mind. I appreciate your reminder, and I’ll ensure to be fully prepared with the necessary updates. Thanks for your patience!
Best regards,
Hannah
Additions: Saying “it slipped my mind” conveys a more casual tone, which can be appropriate in informal settings. It shows that you value the reminder and are committed to staying on track.
3. I Lost Track of It
Losing track of something implies that you were managing multiple responsibilities, and one fell through the cracks.
Example Email: Subject: Inquiry on Task Completion
Hi Mia,
Thank you for checking in on the task completion. I must admit that I lost track of it due to some unexpected interruptions in my schedule. I’m prioritizing it now and will ensure it’s done by the end of the day. I appreciate your understanding!
Warm regards,
Hannah
Additions: Using this phrase helps to explain the context of your forgetfulness. It provides clarity on your workload and reassures the recipient that you’re taking responsibility.
4. It Escaped My Memory
This phrase adds a bit of eloquence, suggesting that your memory is often reliable, but this time it failed you.
Example Email: Subject: Update on Client Proposal
Hi Mia,
I wanted to give you a quick update on the client proposal. Unfortunately, it escaped my memory that it was due this week. I’m currently revising it and will have it ready by tomorrow. Thank you for your patience as I finalize these details.
Best,
Hannah
Additions: This expression softens the admission of forgetting by emphasizing that it’s a rare occurrence. It can create a more understanding atmosphere for the recipient.
5. I Misplaced It in My Schedule
This phrase indicates that the task or information wasn’t prioritized correctly in your busy agenda.
Example Email: Subject: Follow-Up on Marketing Strategy
Hi Mia,
I wanted to follow up on the marketing strategy meeting we planned. I realized I misplaced it in my schedule and didn’t allocate the necessary time for preparation. I’m working on it now and will make sure to bring valuable insights to our discussion. Thank you for your understanding!
Sincerely,
Hannah
Additions: This expression demonstrates accountability. It shows that you are actively working to rearrange your priorities and ensure better management in the future.
6. I Completely Spaced It
This casual phrase can help lighten the mood while acknowledging your forgetfulness.
Example Email: Subject: Checking In on Project Status
Hi Mia,
Thanks for reaching out regarding the project status. I have to confess, I completely spaced it out amidst the chaos of my workload. I’ll dive into it right away and provide you with an update shortly. Thanks for your patience!
Cheers,
Hannah
Additions: “Completely spaced it” conveys a relaxed tone and can create a friendly atmosphere. It’s suitable for informal communications but should be used cautiously in more formal contexts.
7. I Regrettably Forgot
This expression conveys a sense of regret, showing that you care about the matter.
Example Email: Subject: Apology for Missing Deadline
Hi Mia,
I want to sincerely apologize for missing the deadline for the project update. I regrettably forgot about it during a busy week. I assure you this will not happen again. I’m currently working to rectify the situation and will submit the report as soon as possible.
Best regards,
Hannah
Additions: Using “regrettably forgot” indicates a level of seriousness and acknowledgement of the impact your forgetfulness may have. It shows that you take the situation seriously and are committed to making it right.
8. I Didn’t Recall It
This phrase indicates a more formal acknowledgement of forgetfulness.
Example Email: Subject: Reminder for Submission
Hi Mia,
Thank you for your reminder regarding the submission. I must admit, I didn’t recall it being due today. I appreciate you bringing it to my attention, and I will make it my priority to complete it promptly.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Additions: “Didn’t recall it” maintains professionalism and is appropriate in formal settings. It doesn’t sound overly casual, which can be beneficial in workplace communications.
9. It Wasn’t on My Radar
This phrase implies that the task or deadline was not within your immediate attention.
Example Email: Subject: Upcoming Conference Preparations
Hi Mia,
I hope all is well. I wanted to discuss the preparations for the upcoming conference. I realized it wasn’t on my radar, and I appreciate your patience as I catch up on the necessary details. I’ll ensure everything is organized well in advance. Thank you!
Best,
Hannah
Additions: This expression can help clarify that your focus was elsewhere, which can be a relatable sentiment. It fosters understanding and allows for a collaborative approach to getting back on track.
10. I Didn’t Keep It in Mind
This phrase emphasizes that you did not prioritize or remember the task.
Example Email: Subject: Review of Financial Report
Hi Mia,
Thanks for following up on the financial report review. I must admit, I didn’t keep it in mind as I should have. I appreciate your nudge and will ensure it is my top priority moving forward.
Best regards,
Hannah
Additions: This expression communicates accountability and a desire to improve. It conveys that you value the recipient’s input and are committed to addressing the oversight.
11. I Had a Memory Lapse
This phrase conveys that your forgetfulness was unexpected, almost like a temporary glitch.
Example Email: Subject: Client Feedback Review
Hi Mia,
I wanted to address the client feedback we received. I experienced a slight memory lapse regarding it, but I’m currently reviewing the comments and will prepare a response by the end of the day. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Hannah
Additions: “Memory lapse” adds a touch of lightness to your admission. It can help mitigate any tension surrounding the oversight, making the conversation more approachable.
12. It Didn’t Cross My Mind
This phrase indicates that the thought did not occur to you at the appropriate time.
Example Email: Subject: Coordination for Team Event
Hi Mia,
Thank you for your message regarding the team event. I must confess, it didn’t cross my mind until your email. I’ll make sure to prioritize the details and ensure we have everything set up for a successful gathering. Thanks for your patience!
Warm regards,
Hannah
Additions: Using “didn’t cross my mind” can convey a relatable human experience, allowing others to empathize with your situation. It can soften the admission of forgetfulness, making it more relatable.
13. I Failed to Remember
This phrase communicates a sense of responsibility and acknowledgment.
Example Email: Subject: Reminder About Submission
Hi Mia,
I appreciate your patience with the submission timeline. I regret to inform you that I failed to remember the due date. I’m currently working on it and will have it submitted as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Best,
Hannah
Additions: “Failed to remember” conveys a stronger sense of responsibility. It shows that you acknowledge your role in the oversight and are taking steps to address it.
14. I Neglected to Mention It
This phrase suggests that the information was not communicated, often due to forgetfulness.
Example Email: Subject: Update on Team Project
Hi Mia,
Thank you for your patience with the team project updates. I neglected to mention it in our last meeting, and I want to assure you that I’m on top of it now. I’ll provide you with a comprehensive update by the end of the week.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Additions: Using “neglected to mention it” helps clarify that the omission was not intentional. It provides context for the oversight and reassures the recipient of your commitment to communicate effectively moving forward.
15. I Completely Misjudged the Timeline
This phrase indicates that your planning or estimation was inaccurate.
Example Email: Subject: Deadline for Report Submission
Hi Mia,
I wanted to touch base regarding the report submission. Unfortunately, I completely misjudged the timeline and did not allocate enough time for its completion. I’m currently prioritizing it and will ensure it’s done shortly. Thank you for your understanding.
Best,
Hannah
Additions: This expression emphasizes your awareness of the implications of your oversight and reflects your willingness to address it constructively. It demonstrates accountability and a proactive approach to the situation.
16. I Didn’t Have It Logged
This phrase indicates a lack of documentation, leading to forgetfulness.
Example Email: Subject: Status on Deliverables
Hi Mia,
I appreciate your follow-up on the deliverables. I realized I didn’t have it logged in my calendar, which led to my oversight. I’m currently reviewing the tasks and will update you on their status by the end of the day.
Sincerely,
Hannah
Additions: Using “didn’t have it logged” underscores the importance of proper documentation and organization. It shows that you’re taking steps to improve your processes moving forward.
17. I Misjudged the Importance
This phrase indicates that you didn’t recognize the significance of the task or deadline.
Example Email: Subject: Follow-Up on Client Meeting
Hi Mia,
Thanks for reaching out about the client meeting. I must admit, I misjudged the importance of preparing for it and didn’t allocate enough time. I’m rectifying this now and will ensure I’m fully prepared for our discussion. Thank you for your understanding.
Best,
Hannah
Additions: This expression highlights that you are reflecting on your prioritization and encourages a mindset of improvement. It can help create a constructive dialogue about project management.
Conclusion
Acknowledging that you’ve forgotten something can be challenging, but using alternative phrases can help maintain professionalism and clarity in communication.
By employing these expressions, you can convey your sentiment in various contexts, whether formal or informal. Remember, it’s not just about the words you choose but also about how you communicate your willingness to rectify the situation.
Using a thoughtful approach can strengthen your relationships and build trust in both personal and professional interactions.
