be unforgiving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be unforgiving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or attitude that does not show mercy or leniency towards others' mistakes or faults. Example: "In her role as a judge, she must be unforgiving when it comes to upholding the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But farce can be unforgiving.

The New York Times

Mr. Greenberg's style can be unforgiving.

The New York Times

The environment can be unforgiving.

The New York Times

That spareness can also be unforgiving.

The New York Times - Arts

The finals spotlight can be unforgiving.

The New York Times - Sports

Summers in Arizona can be unforgiving.

Columbia University

Each of these lines of work can be unforgiving.

The New York Times

If they do not, voters will be unforgiving.

The Economist

If it is windy, Lytham will be unforgiving.

The New York Times - Sports

Life is unfair and television can be unforgiving.

The New York Times - Arts

The traditional restaurant business — expensive lease, fickle clientele — can be unforgiving.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be unforgiving" to describe an environment or situation, ensure that the context clearly illustrates the consequences of mistakes or failures within that environment. For example, "The Arctic climate can be unforgiving to those unprepared."

Common error

Avoid using "be unforgiving" solely to describe a person's character without providing specific examples. Instead, show how their actions or decisions demonstrate a lack of leniency in particular situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unforgiving" primarily functions as a verb phrase combined with an adjective. It describes a state or quality of something or someone, indicating a lack of leniency or a tendency to punish mistakes severely. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be unforgiving" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations, environments, or even individuals that offer little to no leniency for mistakes. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and versatile, frequently appearing in news and media, as well as academic contexts. It serves to highlight the severe consequences of errors or failures, often functioning as a warning or cautionary note. While alternatives like "show no mercy" or ""be relentless"" exist, "be unforgiving" carries a nuanced implication of consequences directly tied to the situation at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show no mercy

Emphasizes a complete lack of compassion or leniency, suggesting a harsh and relentless attitude.

be relentless

Highlights the persistent and unwavering nature of the strictness or severity.

be merciless

Similar to 'show no mercy', but often implies a more active and deliberate withholding of compassion.

be strict

Focuses on adherence to rules and expectations without allowing exceptions.

be severe

Indicates a harsh or stern approach in dealing with mistakes or shortcomings.

hold a grudge

Highlights the act of maintaining resentment or bitterness towards someone.

bear a grudge

Similar to 'hold a grudge', emphasizing the sustained feeling of resentment.

be vindictive

Suggests a desire for revenge or retribution.

not to forgive

Directly states the absence of forgiveness, which can be less emphatic than "be unforgiving".

exact retribution

Implies a formal or forceful act of punishing someone for a perceived wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "be unforgiving" in a sentence?

You can use "be unforgiving" to describe situations, environments, or systems that offer no leniency for errors. For example, "The examination grading system will "be unforgiving" of even minor mistakes".

What's a good alternative to "be unforgiving"?

Alternatives include "show no mercy", "be relentless", or "be strict", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "be unforgiving" or "being unforgiving"?

"Be unforgiving" is typically used as part of a verb phrase. "Being unforgiving" is used as a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense, such as "His biggest flaw is "being unforgiving"".

What does it mean when someone says something "can be unforgiving"?

When something "can "be unforgiving"", it means that it is likely to punish or penalize mistakes harshly and without leniency.