French Phrase
J'ai oublié de le faire.
Meaning
This phrase is used to communicate that an intended action was not performed because it slipped your mind. It combines the past tense of the verb 'oublier' (to forget) with the preposition 'de' and the infinitive 'faire' (to do).
When to use
Use this phrase in everyday situations when you need to explain why a task, such as a chore or a work assignment, was left undone. It is suitable for both informal conversations with friends and professional interactions with colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
J'aioubliédelefaire
Passé Composé
The phrase uses 'avoir' (ai) and the past participle 'oublié' to describe a specific past event.
Preposition 'de'
In French, the verb 'oublier' must be followed by 'de' when it precedes another verb in the infinitive form.
Object Pronoun 'le'
The pronoun 'le' (it) is placed directly before the verb it refers to, which in this case is 'faire'.
🗨In Conversation
Est-ce que tu as appelé le médecin ?
Did you call the doctor?
Oh non, j'ai oublié de le faire. Je le fais tout de suite.
Oh no, I forgot to do it. I'll do it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
J'ai oublié le faire.
The verb 'oublier' requires the preposition 'de' before an infinitive verb.
Je suis oublié de le faire.
'Oublier' always takes the auxiliary verb 'avoir' in the passé composé, never 'être'.
↔Alternatives
Ça m'est sorti de la tête.
It slipped my mind.
J'ai zappé.
I forgot / I blanked (slang).
Cultural Tip
In French culture, admitting a small oversight is generally accepted if followed by an immediate correction. While 'J'ai oublié' is standard, using the slang 'zapper' is very common among friends but might be seen as too casual in a formal office environment.