Italian Phrase
Ho dimenticato di farlo.
Meaning
This phrase indicates that a specific action was not performed because it slipped the speaker's mind. It uses the 'passato prossimo' tense to describe a completed event in the past. The verb 'dimenticare' requires the preposition 'di' before a following infinitive.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to apologize or explain why a task, errand, or promise was not completed. It is appropriate for both informal conversations with friends and professional interactions with colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hodimenticatodifarlo
Ho
The first person singular of the verb 'avere' (to have), used here as an auxiliary verb.
Dimenticato
The past participle of 'dimenticare' (to forget), forming the past tense.
di
A mandatory preposition used to link 'dimenticare' with a subsequent action.
farlo
A contraction of the infinitive 'fare' (to do/make) and the enclitic pronoun 'lo' (it).
🗨In Conversation
Hai chiamato il dottore per l'appuntamento?
Did you call the doctor for the appointment?
Ho dimenticato di farlo. Lo faccio subito.
I forgot to do it. I'll do it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Ho dimenticato farlo.
In Italian, the verb 'dimenticare' must be followed by the preposition 'di' before an infinitive verb.
Sono dimenticato di farlo.
The verb 'dimenticare' uses 'avere' as its auxiliary verb in the compound past tense, not 'essere'.
↔Alternatives
Mi sono dimenticato di farlo.
I forgot to do it (reflexive form).
Non l'ho fatto.
I didn't do it.
Mi è passato di mente.
It slipped my mind.
Cultural Tip
While 'Ho dimenticato' is grammatically correct, Italians frequently use the reflexive form 'Mi sono dimenticato' in daily speech. The reflexive version often sounds slightly more natural and common in casual settings across Italy.