God forbid

USAGE SUMMARY

"God forbid" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as an expression of concern or worry about something bad happening. For example, "God forbid that she ever loses her job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

God forbid, not Pakistan!

The New Yorker

God forbid!" Solzhenitsyn said.

The New Yorker

God forbid, cable.

The New York Times - Magazine

"God forbid," Sheila says.

The New York Times - Magazine

God forbid it should rain.

The New York Times

God forbid something could happen.

The Guardian

"God forbid!" responded the prince.

The Guardian

"God forbid anything else happens".

The New York Times

"God forbid," Mr. Dell'Angelo said.

The New York Times

"God forbid you're wearing a hoodie.

The New York Times

"God forbid I didn't make it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "God forbid", be mindful of your audience. While generally acceptable, it might be inappropriate in highly secular or religiously sensitive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "God forbid" in formal writing where a more neutral expression of contingency is appropriate. Opt for phrases like "in the event that" or "if it should happen" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "God forbid" functions primarily as an interjection, expressing a wish or hope that something undesirable does not happen. It is used to add emphasis and convey a sense of concern or aversion, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "God forbid" is a common interjection used to express a wish that something undesirable does not happen. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings and should be used cautiously in formal or religiously sensitive environments. Alternatives such as "heaven forbid" offer similar sentiments. As evidenced by the analysis, the phrase effectively conveys concern and adds emphasis to the speaker's aversion to a potential negative outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Heaven forbid

Similar expression, often used interchangeably with "God forbid".

Heaven forfend

A more archaic and formal version of "heaven forbid".

God forfend

A more archaic and formal version of "God forbid".

May it never happen

A more direct and less religious expression of the same sentiment.

Let's hope that doesn't happen

Expresses a similar sentiment but with a focus on hope rather than divine intervention.

I hope that never occurs

A more formal way of expressing the wish that something doesn't happen.

Perish the thought

An emphatic way of rejecting an idea or possibility.

Far be it from me

Used to express reluctance or disinclination towards something.

I shudder to think

Expresses fear or aversion towards a possible outcome.

Knock on wood

An action to ward off bad luck, often said after expressing a positive expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "God forbid" in a sentence?

You can use "God forbid" to express a strong wish that something bad doesn't happen. For instance, "We should save money,"God forbid" something unexpected occurs."

What are some alternatives to "God forbid"?

Alternatives include "heaven forbid", "heaven forfend", or simply "let's hope that doesn't happen depending on the context.

Is "God forbid" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "God forbid" is more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "in the unlikely event that" or "if it should happen" to maintain a professional tone.

What does "God forbid" actually mean?

"God forbid" expresses a wish or hope that something undesirable will not occur, implying a sense of concern or apprehension about a potential negative outcome.