Forgot vs. Forgotten
“Forgot” is the simple past of “forget,” while “forgotten” is the usual past participle in general edited English. Cambridge’s American Dictionary also records “forgot” as a past-participle variant, so the guide keeps that regional usage visible instead of flattening it into a universal error rule.
Use “forgot” as the simple past. “Forgotten” is the usual past participle; Cambridge American also records “forgot” as a past-participle variant, so it is not accurate to label every “have forgot” form universally impossible.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| simple past | forgot | Use “forgot” for the simple past. |
| usual past participle in general edited English | forgotten | Use “forgotten,” especially after have/has/had. |
| documented American past-participle variant | forgot | Recognize the recorded variant instead of labeling every participial “forgot” universally impossible. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you writing a past participle after “have,” “has,” or “had”?
If yes: Use “forgotten” as the broad edited-English default.
If no: Use “forgot” for the simple past; note that American dictionaries also record a participial “forgot” variant.
Caveat: Cambridge American records “forgot” as a past-participle variant, so the guide gives a broad default without inventing a universal prohibition.
Examples
I forgot the appointment yesterday.
“Forgot” is the simple-past form.
I have forgotten the appointment time.
“Forgotten” is the usual past participle.
By then, she had forgotten the address.
“Forgotten” follows “had” in the past perfect.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Forgot” is the simple past of “forget.” “Forgotten” is the usual past participle in general edited English; Cambridge American also records “forgot” as a past-participle variant.
Fast Test
For a straightforward edited-English choice, use “forgot” as the simple past and “forgotten” after have/has/had, while recognizing the documented American past-participle variant.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Forget — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Dictionary evidence for forget complementation and for the irregular forms forget, forgot, forgotten; Cambridge American usage also records forgot as a past-participle variant.