Forthwith

USAGE SUMMARY

"Forthwith" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something should be done immediately or without delay. Example: "Please send the report forthwith." Alternative expressions include "immediately" and "without delay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of these are to be given school-improvement partners to chivvy them into raising their game, some taken over by better-performing neighbours, and some closed forthwith and replaced by "academies"—state-funded independent schools that are overseen directly from Whitehall.But these half-measures do not seem to have done even half the job.

The Economist

If Iraq's leader tells the Americans to go forthwith, they must do so.

The Economist

He says that large areas of the West Bank must be annexed forthwith, circumscribing the main Palestinian towns as islands of autonomy at most.

The Economist

Several radical Shias, reckoning that their leaders might be more able to impose their authority on the country if the Americans and their allies were to leave forthwith, blamed the Americans.

The Economist

Watching the trial live on television, or standing outside the court building listening to the proceedings through loudspeakers, Filipinos did not know whether to laugh or cry, as a bumbling prosecution team ineptly set about trying to prove that Mr Estrada was a villain who should forthwith be removed from office.

The Economist

But in the meantime it has had no option other than to cancel all flights forthwith, stranding some unlucky fliers.

The Economist

Whereas the lawyers treat Mr Abdel Jalil as a figurehead, he reckons he is the new president.Although the liberals want Colonel Qaddafi to depart forthwith, Mr Abdel Jalil says his offer to negotiate should be considered.

The Economist

Boot out the unelected peers forthwith!

The Economist

The soviets should forthwith confiscate landlords' estates without compensation, nationalize all land, and divide it among the peasants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One view was that there would be an immediate individual judgment and that instant justice would follow: the deceased would be dispatched forthwith to hell or paradise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is an act of aggression and will you ask the Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make a statement about what Her Majesty's Government will do to ensure these illegal incursions into British sovereign waters are stopped forthwith?" The Commons Leader said the Government had protested to Spain through diplomatic channels.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "forthwith", ensure the context aligns with its formal tone. It might sound out of place in casual conversation or informal writing. Instead, consider alternatives like "immediately" or "right away" for a more relaxed feel.

Common error

Avoid using "forthwith" in casual or informal settings. Its formal tone can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for more common synonyms like "immediately" or "right away" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

"Forthwith" functions as an adverb, modifying a verb to indicate that an action should be performed immediately. Ludwig AI shows its presence in diverse contexts, highlighting its ability to convey urgency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Reference

8%

Social Media

0%

Science

25%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forthwith" is an adverb that signifies immediate action or a lack of delay. As Ludwig confirms, its grammatical status is correct, although its frequency is uncommon. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedias and media, the phrase lends a formal and urgent tone to writing. When considering related phrases, "immediately" serves as a direct synonym, while options like "without delay" and "instantly" offer slight variations in emphasis. Remember to reserve "forthwith" for contexts that warrant a formal and authoritative tone, as overusing it in informal settings can sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Immediately

A common and direct synonym, suitable for most contexts.

Without delay

A slightly more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the absence of waiting.

Instantly

Emphasizes the speed and near-simultaneous nature of the action.

At once

A classic phrase indicating immediate action or occurrence.

Right away

More informal, suggesting prompt action.

Directly

Indicates immediacy and a lack of intermediaries.

Promptly

Highlights the quickness and efficiency of the action.

Posthaste

An older, more emphatic term for immediate action.

On the double

An informal idiom emphasizing speed and urgency.

Expeditiously

Focuses on efficiency and speed in handling something.

FAQs

How to use "forthwith" in a sentence?

"Forthwith" is typically used to indicate that an action should be carried out immediately or without delay. For example, "The contract was terminated forthwith" means the contract was terminated immediately.

What can I say instead of "forthwith"?

You can use alternatives like "immediately", "at once", or "without delay" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "forthwith" or "forth worth"?

"Forthwith" is a single word meaning immediately. "Forth worth" is not a recognized phrase and would likely be a misspelling or misunderstanding of "forthwith".

Is "forthwith" formal or informal?

"Forthwith" is considered a formal term. In less formal contexts, alternatives such as "immediately" or "right away" may be more appropriate.