for goodness sake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for goodness sake" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express frustration or exasperation, often in a mild or polite manner. Example: "For goodness sake, can we please just agree on a plan and move forward?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So be good for goodness sake!

The Guardian

"Just be good for goodness' sake".

The New York Times

Be good for goodness' sake.

Huffington Post

Oh, for goodness' sake!

The New York Times

Not now, for goodness' sake".

The New Yorker

For goodness' sake.

The Guardian - Books

Oh for goodness' sake.

The Guardian

It's only Tuesday, for goodness' sake.

The New York Times

What rear admiral, for goodness sake?

The New Yorker

Frigatebirds are soaring overhead, for goodness sake.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's just like, for [goodness] sake.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for goodness sake" to express mild frustration or exasperation in situations where a stronger expression would be inappropriate. It's generally considered polite.

Common error

Avoid using "for goodness sake" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your expressions of frustration or surprise to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for goodness sake" functions as an interjection, expressing a speaker's emotional state, typically frustration, exasperation, or mild annoyance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for goodness sake" is a commonly used phrase functioning as an interjection to express feelings like frustration or exasperation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's best suited for informal to semi-formal situations. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources. Alternative expressions include "for heaven's sake" or "for Pete's sake". When writing, avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for heaven's sake

Interchangeable in many contexts, but may have slightly different connotations depending on the user's beliefs.

for Pete's sake

A more informal and slightly less intense alternative.

good heavens

A somewhat old-fashioned but still usable expression of surprise or annoyance.

oh come on

A more direct expression of disbelief or frustration.

really

A simple expression that can convey disbelief or exasperation depending on the intonation.

honestly

Expresses frustration or disbelief, often implying the speaker thinks someone is being dishonest or unreasonable.

seriously

Similar to "really", but slightly more emphatic.

what on earth

Used to express surprise, confusion or annoyance.

what in the world

Similar to "what on earth", but slightly more emphatic.

give me a break

Expresses disbelief or impatience with someone's actions or statements.

FAQs

How can I use "for goodness sake" in a sentence?

"For goodness sake" is typically used as an interjection to express frustration, exasperation, or surprise. For example: "For goodness sake, can you please be quiet?"

What can I say instead of "for goodness sake"?

Alternatives to "for goodness sake" include "for heaven's sake", "for Pete's sake", or "good heavens" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "for goodness sake" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "for goodness sake" is generally considered informal and might not be suitable for highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "please" or rephrasing the sentence to convey the same meaning without the interjection.

What's the difference between "for goodness sake" and "for God's sake"?

"For goodness sake" is a milder, more polite version of "for God's sake". The former is less likely to offend or be considered blasphemous, especially in sensitive contexts.