could be forgiven for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be forgiven for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express understanding or sympathy towards someone's actions or mistakes, suggesting that their behavior is excusable under certain circumstances. Example: "Given the stressful situation, she could be forgiven for losing her temper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Algerians could be forgiven for doubting it.

The Economist

You could be forgiven for thinking so.

The New York Times

One could be forgiven for meager expectations.

The New York Times

Customers could be forgiven for not knowing.

The New York Times

You could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

The Guardian - Arts

O'Connor could be forgiven for saying, "Ha!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But you could be forgiven for finding that unsatisfying.

The New York Times - Sports

Hargreaves could be forgiven for thinking he was in dreamland.

Independent

Americans could be forgiven for failing to notice.

The Economist

Portugal could be forgiven for feeling picked on.

The Economist

His captain could be forgiven for begging to differ.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be forgiven for" to show empathy or understanding when someone makes a mistake or reacts in a certain way due to difficult circumstances. It softens criticism and acknowledges the context.

Common error

While "could be forgiven for" is useful, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your tone sound overly condescending or repetitive. Vary your language with alternatives like "might be excused for" or "understandable if".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be forgiven for" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a degree of understanding or leniency towards someone's actions. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests that their behavior is excusable under certain circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be forgiven for" is a common and useful expression that conveys understanding and leniency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. It serves to justify or explain someone's actions, often softening potential criticism by acknowledging the circumstances. While highly versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrases like "might be excused for" or "understandable if" for variety. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "could be forgiven for" to create more nuanced and empathetic narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be excused for

Indicates a possibility of being excused, implying a slightly weaker justification than "could be forgiven for".

might be pardoned for

Suggests a formal forgiveness, often used in situations involving offenses or errors.

one could understand if

Emphasizes the understanding of someone's actions, rather than the forgiveness.

it would be understandable if

Highlights the reasonableness of a reaction or action, offering a justification.

one might sympathize with

Focuses on the sympathy towards someone's situation or actions, rather than direct forgiveness.

it's easy to see why

Indicates that the reason for an action or feeling is easily apparent and justifiable.

one could hardly blame

Suggests that blaming someone for their actions would be difficult or unfair.

it's not surprising that

Highlights the lack of surprise at someone's actions, implying predictability and justification.

it's excusable that

Directly states that something is excusable, lacking the nuance of understanding.

one could expect

Focuses on expectation rather than forgiveness, implying that a certain action was anticipated.

FAQs

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

Use "could be forgiven for" to express understanding or sympathy when someone does something that might be seen as wrong or a mistake. For instance, "Given the circumstances, she "could be forgiven for" losing her temper."

What can I say instead of "could be forgiven for"?

Alternatives include "might be excused for", "might be pardoned for", or "understandable if", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "could be forgiven for"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge that someone's actions are understandable or excusable given a particular context or set of circumstances. It implies a degree of empathy or leniency.

What's the difference between "could be forgiven for" and "might be excused for"?

"Could be forgiven for" often suggests a slightly stronger degree of understanding and acceptance, while "might be excused for" can be used in more formal or official contexts. The difference is subtle but can impact the tone.