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
| Sentence need | Usual choice | Note |
|---|---|---|
| simple past | forgot | Use the finite past form: “I forgot the key.” |
| past participle in general edited English | forgotten | Use with have/has/had: “I have forgotten the key.” |
| some American usage | forgot | Cambridge American also records “forgot” as a past-participle variant. |
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.