can be forgiven for

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be forgiven for" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is used to express understanding or justification for someone's actions or mistakes. Example: "Although she was late to the meeting, she can be forgiven for it since she had to deal with a family emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fans can be forgiven for losing interest.

The New Yorker

They can be forgiven for thinking so.

The New York Times

Eulogists can be forgiven for exaggeration.

The New York Times

You can be forgiven for that.

The Guardian

(You can be forgiven for thinking, Duh).

The New Yorker

You can be forgiven for missing this piece of news.

The New York Times

Republican leaders can be forgiven for their shell shock.

The New York Times

I can be forgiven for not knowing it's de rigueur.

The New Yorker

French bankers can be forgiven for feeling run over.

The New York Times

So perhaps it can be forgiven for not really defecating.

The New York Times - Books

King III can be forgiven for believing conspiracy theories.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be forgiven for" when you want to express understanding or leniency towards someone's mistake or action. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being forgiven.

Common error

Avoid using "can be forgiven for" to excuse harmful or unethical behavior without acknowledging the severity. The phrase should not minimize the impact of serious actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be forgiven for" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing the possibility of excusing or pardoning someone for a particular action or mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be forgiven for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express understanding or leniency towards someone's actions. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase signals that an action, though potentially wrong, is understandable given the circumstances. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding its application in situations involving severe ethical breaches. Alternatives like "can be excused for" or "is understandable given" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be excused for

Replaces "forgiven" with "excused", implying a less serious transgression.

can be pardoned for

Uses "pardoned", suggesting a more formal or official act of forgiveness.

is understandable given

Shifts the focus to the circumstances that make the action comprehensible.

is understandable considering

Similar to "is understandable given", emphasizing the context.

is not to be blamed for

Indicates that someone shouldn't be held responsible, rather than being forgiven.

is perhaps justified in

Suggests there are valid reasons for the action, implying less need for forgiveness.

may be understandable in light of

Emphasizes the circumstances that make the action comprehensible

might be excused considering

Suggests a possibility of being excused, emphasizing context

one might understand

Introduces a degree of understanding or acceptance of the action

one could condone because

Implies a willingness to overlook or accept the action, highlighting the reason

FAQs

How can I use "can be forgiven for" in a sentence?

You can use "can be forgiven for" to express understanding or leniency towards someone's mistake or action. For example: "She "can be forgiven for" being late because of the traffic."

What's a less formal alternative to "can be forgiven for"?

Less formal alternatives include "can be excused for" or "it's understandable". These options are suitable for casual conversations or less serious situations.

Is it always appropriate to use "can be forgiven for"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Avoid using it when the action is severely harmful or unethical, as it might seem to minimize the gravity of the situation. Consider using more direct language to address serious issues.

Which is the correct: "can be forgiven for" or "can forgive for"?

"Can be forgiven for" is the correct passive voice construction. "Can forgive for" is grammatically incorrect.