I forgive that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I forgive that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you are letting go of a grievance or offense related to a specific action or situation. Example: "After thinking it over, I realize that I can move on from our disagreement. I forgive that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

When I'm praying in the morning, if I feel bad vibes for anybody, I'll say I forgive that person.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why should I forgive that evil ex-lover who stole my money and tried to damage my relationship with my child?

Huffington Post

Say "I forgive that".

WikiHow

"I forgive that!" and then go on as if you do forgive it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But then I saw that this was Mel's piece and I forgave that person.

Vice

I thought, 'God, if I was that girl's parent, I don't know if I could forgive that.' Because I was watching it myself, not as a parent, and I thought, God, those girls are vile".

The Guardian - Film

Try to forgive old wrongs quickly by saying "I do forgive that!" Declare, "I will not only forgive, but I will forget that!" Believe that you can overcome negative thinking, and then go on as if you do forget it.

WikiHow

Say "I will forgive that".

WikiHow

When you say, "I can't forgive that person," what you're really saying is, "I'm choosing not to forgive that person".

WikiHow

"I will never forgive that," he said.

The New Yorker

But for humans to ruin their own environment … I can never forgive that".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I forgive that" when you want to explicitly state that you are choosing to let go of a specific offense or grievance. It's a direct and clear way to communicate your forgiveness.

Common error

Don't assume that saying "I forgive that" automatically means you must completely trust the person or situation again. Forgiveness is about releasing your own negative emotions, not necessarily condoning the behavior or eliminating consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I forgive that" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's act of forgiving a specific action or situation. As Ludwig highlights, it's a way of conveying the release of resentment. It is a performative utterance in that stating the words accomplishes the act.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I forgive that" is a concise way to express the act of forgiving a specific action or situation. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable, though relatively rare. While the phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Wiki contexts, its neutral formality makes it suitable for various situations. Remember that while forgiveness is about releasing negative emotions, it does not automatically equate to trust. Consider using alternatives like "I let that go" or "I'm over that" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I let that go

Focuses on releasing the issue without explicitly stating forgiveness.

I'm over that

Indicates moving past the issue, suggesting forgiveness or acceptance.

I've made peace with that

Highlights internal resolution and acceptance.

I'm not holding onto that anymore

Emphasizes the act of releasing resentment.

That's water under the bridge

A common idiom indicating that something is in the past and no longer relevant.

I absolve that

A more formal way of expressing forgiveness, implying complete clearance.

I pardon that

Suggests a formal or official act of forgiveness.

I excuse that

Indicates overlooking or disregarding an offense or mistake.

I bear no grudge about that

Expresses the absence of resentment or bitterness.

I'm forgiving of that

Emphasizes the speaker's capacity for forgiveness in the specific situation.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I forgive that"?

Saying "I forgive that" means you are choosing to release the anger, resentment, or bitterness associated with a particular action or event. It's an expression of letting go of a grievance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I forgive that"?

It's appropriate to use "I forgive that" when you have processed your emotions regarding a specific offense and are ready to move forward. It can be used in direct communication with the person involved or as a personal declaration.

What are some alternatives to saying "I forgive that"?

You can use alternatives like "I let that go", "I'm over that", or "I've made peace with that" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to forget after saying "I forgive that"?

While forgiving involves releasing negative emotions, forgetting is not always necessary or possible. You can forgive someone while still remembering what happened and taking appropriate precautions in the future.