by God

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by God" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize a statement or express surprise or anger. Example: "By God, I will not stand for this mistreatment any longer!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

By God!

The New York Times

By God, I'm Jack.

The New Yorker

You know, by God".

The New York Times

By God, yes.

The Guardian - Sport

"By God, no," he said.

The New Yorker

"No, no, by God, no".

The New York Times

Ashrita means "protected by God".

The New Yorker

Well, by God, he was.

The New Yorker

Sex was invented by God".

The New York Times

Chosen by God.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

By God, I will try".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience before using "by God", as it might be considered offensive in some settings.

Common error

Avoid using "by God" in formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral tone is expected. Opt for alternatives like "indeed" or "truly" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by God" primarily functions as an interjection. It is used to express a range of emotions, including surprise, emphasis, anger, or determination. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase can be used to emphasize a statement or express surprise or anger. Examples show it being used to reinforce statements and convey strong feelings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by God" is a versatile interjection used to express a range of emotions, from surprise to anger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and can be effectively used to add emphasis. While its use is common in news and media, it's important to consider the context and audience, as it might not be suitable for formal or professional settings. Exploring related phrases like "by heavens" or "indeed" can provide alternative ways to express similar sentiments with varying degrees of formality. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid potential offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By heavens

Employs a different noun to express surprise or emphasis, replacing "God" with "heavens".

Good heavens

Replaces "by" with "good" and maintains the expression of surprise or shock.

By jove

Uses an archaic term, "jove", another name for Jupiter, to express a similar sentiment.

By golly

Offers a milder, more polite alternative to expressing surprise or emphasis.

I swear

Shifts the focus to a direct oath, affirming the truth of a statement.

Indeed

Provides a simple affirmation or acknowledgment, lacking the emotional intensity of the original phrase.

Truly

Similar to "indeed", but emphasizes the truthfulness of the statement.

For real

Offers a more informal way to express surprise or disbelief.

Seriously

Another informal expression to convey surprise or to question the validity of a statement.

Honestly

Similar to "I swear", but with a slightly less forceful tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "by God" as an exclamation of surprise, anger, or emphasis. For example, "By God, I won't tolerate this!"

What are some alternatives to "by God"?

Some alternatives include "by heavens", "good heavens", or "indeed" depending on the desired level of formality and intensity.

Is using "by God" considered offensive?

It depends on the context and audience. In some settings, particularly formal or religious ones, it might be considered inappropriate. Consider the specific social situation and your audience's sensibilities.

What is the difference between "by God" and "in God's name"?

"By God" is typically used as an exclamation, while "in God's name" is often used to express strong emotion or to ask a question in exasperation.