May it never be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "May it never be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong rejection or disapproval of a suggestion or idea. Example: "If you think I would betray my friends, may it never be!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

May it never be!

Huffington Post

"May it never be extinguished!" But even as the right swooned, the left did, too.

The New York Times

And then, "May it never be the time, for the day we falter and lose our way, that will be the time".

The New Yorker

After the electron was discovered, at Cambridge, in 1897, physicists at an annual dinner toasted, "To the electron: may it never be of use to anybody".

The New Yorker

A.D. White noted in his inaugural address, "We will labor to make this a Christian institution, a sectarian institution may it never be".

Wikipedia

And may it never be that we promote or tolerate those other ways, powerful though they may seem as supposed Christians run for president and advocate deportation and war - because they are passing away.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Hagel said of their meeting in June, "It never was an interview kind of thing — 'John, let me get these things straight.' " Rather, he explained, "I wanted to understand, too, as we talked through these things, where he was going..

The New Yorker

Hagel said of their meeting in June, "It never was an interview kind of thing — 'John, let me get these things straight.' " Rather, he explained, "I wanted to understand, too, as we talked through these things, where he was going...

The New Yorker

May I never be perfect".

The Guardian - Books

May I never be content.

The Guardian - Books

May I never be complete.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "May it never be" to express a strong desire or hope that something does not happen. It often carries a sense of formality or gravity, making it suitable for serious discussions or pronouncements.

Common error

Avoid using "May it never be" in overly casual or lighthearted situations, as its formal and somewhat solemn tone can sound out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I hope not" or "Let's hope that doesn't happen".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "May it never be" functions as an optative expression, conveying a strong wish or hope that something will not occur. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in rejecting undesirable scenarios or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "May it never be" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong wish or hope that something undesirable does not happen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and appropriate in written English, typically used in formal or serious contexts. While alternatives like "God forbid" or "Perish the thought" exist, "May it never be" offers a unique tone suitable for emphatic rejections or pronouncements. Its usage is most common in news and media, reflecting its formal and serious nature. It is advisable to avoid it in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Perish the thought

Expresses strong rejection of an idea or possibility.

God forbid

A stronger, religiously connoted expression of wishing something doesn't happen.

Heaven forbid

Similar to 'God forbid', but with a slightly less intense religious connotation.

That must never happen

Direct statement of prohibition, emphasizing the gravity of prevention.

Far be it from me

Indicates reluctance or disinclination to do something.

Let's hope not

A more casual expression of hoping something doesn't occur.

I hope it doesn't happen

A straightforward expression of wishing something does not occur.

I trust that won't happen

Expresses confidence that something undesirable will not occur.

I wouldn't want that to happen

Indicates a desire to avoid a specific outcome.

Hopefully not

Similar to 'Let's hope not', but even more concise and informal.

FAQs

What does "May it never be" mean?

The phrase "May it never be" expresses a strong wish or hope that something will not happen. It is often used to reject an idea or possibility emphatically.

When is it appropriate to use "May it never be"?

This phrase is most appropriate in formal or serious contexts where you want to express a strong aversion to something. It adds a sense of gravity to your statement.

What are some alternatives to "May it never be"?

You can use alternatives like "God forbid", "Heaven forbid", or "Perish the thought" to convey a similar sentiment.

Is "May it never be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "May it never be" is grammatically correct. It follows the structure of an optative expression, which conveys a wish or hope.