Portuguese Phrase
Esqueci de fazer isso.
Meaning
This phrase is used to admit that you have overlooked a specific task or action. It uses the past tense of 'esquecer' (to forget) combined with the preposition 'de' which is grammatically required in this context.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks if you completed a task or when you suddenly realize you missed a responsibility. It is suitable for both casual and professional settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esquecidefazerisso
Esqueci
The first-person singular past tense of 'esquecer', indicating the action of forgetting is completed.
Regência Verbal
The verb 'esquecer' (when not used reflexively) or 'esquecer-se' (reflexive) usually takes the preposition 'de' before the object or action.
🗨In Conversation
Você ligou para o médico?
Did you call the doctor?
Esqueci de fazer isso.
I forgot to do that.
✕Common Mistakes
Esqueci fazer isso.
The verb 'esquecer' requires the preposition 'de' when followed by an infinitive verb.
Eu esqueci de faz isso.
After the preposition 'de', the verb must remain in its infinitive form, 'fazer'.
↔Alternatives
Não me lembrei de fazer isso.
I didn't remember to do that.
Esqueci-me de fazer isso.
I forgot to do that (common in European Portuguese).
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, it is very common to drop the reflexive pronoun 'me' in 'Eu me esqueci', resulting in the simpler 'Esqueci de'. In Portugal, however, the reflexive form 'Esqueci-me de' is much more standard for everyday speech.