begone

USAGE SUMMARY

"begone" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an archaic word that expresses a sense of urgency and commands someone or something to leave or disappear. Example sentence: "Begone, foul spirits! I command you to leave this place at once!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Let her begone now and fume furiously wherever she pleases, let her find some other plaything for her cruel hands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Above the entrance to the back room he hung; a shillelagh and a sign: "BE GOOD OR BEGONE".

The New Yorker

When the Magician says the magic words, "Colossus, begone!" the elephant disappears.

The New Yorker

A peaked black bonnet as fine as any widow's!" "Satan, begone!" Pastor Witherspoon shouted, and then I lost consciousness.

The New Yorker

All other players begone".

The New Yorker

When a vase falls from the mantel, most people's first impulse is to dispose of the shattered relic, throw it out, begone the tainted thing, the broken dream.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

President Madison looked "miserably shattered and woe-begone," a Virginia lawyer reported in October.

The New Yorker

Carlyle had sat for her at last, and was bemused by the result: "It is as if suddenly the picture began to speak, terrifically ugly and woe-begone, but has something of a likeness".

The New Yorker

Soutra Gilmour could hardly do more - in fact she could maybe do less - with her desolate, ash-coloured, woe-begone, long-windowed design.

The Guardian

These drawings are surprising to say the least, not unlike John Tenniel in their quirky lexicon of creatures: a pair of half-human turtles conversing glumly by a lake, a lock of hair turning into a woe-begone female figure.

The Guardian - Arts

It doesn't help, perhaps, that two of the year's best electro-pop albums – Telefon Tel Aviv's Immolate Yourself, and Junior Boy's Begone Dull Care, extraordinary despite lukewarm reviews – are rather reserved records, made by thoughtful, intelligent people (RIP Charles Wesley Cooper III).

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begone" sparingly, as it can sound archaic or theatrical. It is most effective when aiming for a dramatic or old-fashioned tone.

Common error

Avoid using "begone" in everyday conversation or modern writing, as it can sound unnatural or pretentious. Opt for more common alternatives like "go away" or "leave" unless you're intentionally aiming for an archaic effect.

Linguistic Context

"Begone" primarily functions as an interjection, expressing a command or strong desire for someone or something to leave. As Ludwig AI indicates, this term is recognized and grammatically sound, though somewhat archaic, offering a dramatic way to instruct departure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Begone" is an interjection used to command someone or something to leave. While grammatically correct, it is considered somewhat archaic and is most effective when aiming for a dramatic or old-fashioned tone. Ludwig AI confirms its recognition in English, but suggests using it judiciously to avoid sounding unnatural in modern contexts. More common alternatives include "go away" or "leave". While "begone" appears in a variety of source contexts, from news to encyclopedias, it's use is generally limited to creating a very specific, dramatic effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avaunt

An archaic synonym, similar in tone and usage to "begone".

go away

A more common and less formal way to tell someone to leave.

leave

A direct and simple command to depart.

get out

A more forceful and potentially aggressive way to tell someone to leave.

depart

A more formal and polite way to say leave.

vanish

Implies a sudden and complete disappearance.

scram

An informal and abrupt way to tell someone to leave quickly.

be off with you

An archaic and somewhat whimsical way to dismiss someone.

take yourself off

A slightly roundabout way of telling someone to leave.

get lost

A rude and dismissive way to tell someone to leave.

FAQs

How can I use "begone" in a sentence?

"Begone" is typically used as an interjection to command someone or something to leave. For example, you might say, "Begone, foul beast!" or "Begone with your troubles!".

What's a less formal alternative to "begone"?

Less formal alternatives include "go away", "leave", or "get out". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of politeness you want to convey.

Is "begone" still commonly used today?

While grammatically correct, "begone" is considered an archaic term. While "begone" is understood and may be used for stylistic effect, more common alternatives are generally preferred in modern English.

What is the difference between "avaunt" and "begone"?

"Avaunt" is a near synonym to "begone" - both are archaic interjections used to command someone or something to leave. The difference between "avaunt" and "begone" is minimal; both convey a similar sense of forceful dismissal.