forge

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'forge' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb meaning to shape or create something by hammering or heating it. For example, "The blacksmith used a hammer and anvil to forge a sword from the raw steel bar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it must be equitable - helping poorer countries adapt and to forge their own transition to a low-carbon future.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Singleton, head of engineering for Android Wear at Google, said the companies were ready to "forge a new evolution for the luxury watch of the future".

The Guardian - Tech

None of this helps me to make forge a relationship with my inner molecules that I can feel.

The Guardian

India's latest flirtation with football is not even three months old and it appears the Indian Super League has managed to forge new passions for the sport, as well as rejuvenate dormant ones among the country's sporting fans.

The Guardian

They need to forge relationships with Kiev and Moscow, rather than worry about how to stop Russia from swallowing Ukraine.

The Guardian

Australia had rebounded from the chaos and disarray of the final months of the Mickey Arthur regime, whose defining characteristic was the ability to consistently forge defeat in the face of multiple PowerPoint presentations.

The Guardian - Sport

But it is also a test of the region's capacity to forge a different and better future.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they also help the party to forge connections with extra-parliamentary groups in the way the Greens were able to do before they became an establishment party for bourgeois-bohemians (and, of late, simply for the bourgeoisie, who are even willing to endorse coalitions with the Christian Democrats).

The Guardian - Opinion

Marine Le Pen's Front National (leading in French polls for the May 2014 European elections) and Geert Wilders' anti-immigration and anti-Islam party in The Netherlands are attempting to forge a pan-European anti-EU alliance.

The Guardian - Opinion

The England selectors convene this coming week – two of them via telephone – to forge a squad for the Test series against West Indies in the Caribbean that starts next month.

The Guardian - Sport

Hollande looked ahead to the UN conference in Paris this December, at which governments are expected to forge a new global agreement on the climate, with commitments from all to limit greenhouse gas emissions after 2020, when current commitments come to an end.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "forge" in the context of creating something abstract, ensure it conveys the sense of effort and deliberate action, rather than a passive occurrence. For example, use it to describe "forging" a partnership or a new path.

Common error

Avoid using "forge" when a simpler verb like "create" or "make" would suffice. "Forge" implies a more intensive and transformative process. Using it inappropriately can sound pretentious or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The word "forge" primarily functions as a verb. It signifies the action of creating or shaping something, often with considerable effort. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in contexts like forging relationships, agreements, or paths, aligning with its definition of forming or creating with concerted effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "forge" is a versatile verb meaning to create or shape something with effort, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news and business contexts to describe building relationships, strategies, and paths forward. While generally neutral in register, its connotation of deliberate action makes it suitable for formal writing. When using "forge", ensure it accurately reflects the active and effortful nature of the creation or advancement being described, avoiding overuse when simpler verbs would suffice. Ludwig examples provide ample context for understanding its nuanced usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create

Focuses on the act of bringing something new into existence, differing slightly from "forge" which implies shaping something existing.

form

Emphasizes the shape or structure that something takes, a more general term than "forge".

shape

Highlights the act of giving something a particular form or outline.

construct

Implies building something complex from various components.

develop

Suggests a gradual process of growth or advancement.

establish

Focuses on setting something up on a firm or permanent basis, often used for relationships or systems.

build

Implies creating something by putting parts together over a period of time.

fashion

Suggests creating something with skill and style.

mold

Implies shaping something, often using a mold or template.

advance

Focuses on moving forward or making progress, particularly in the face of resistance.

FAQs

How can I use "forge" in a sentence?

You can use "forge" to describe creating something with effort, like "They worked to "forge a new alliance"", or to describe moving forward with determination, like "We decided to "forge ahead with our plans"".

What are some synonyms for "forge"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "create", "form", "shape", or "establish". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "forge ahead"?

"Forge ahead" is appropriate when you want to emphasize making progress despite difficulties or resistance. It suggests a determined and forceful advance. For example, "Despite the challenges, the company chose to "forge ahead"".

Is it correct to use "forge" in the context of digital content creation?

Yes, while traditionally associated with metalworking, "forge" can be used metaphorically to describe the creation of digital content, especially if it involves significant effort or innovation. For instance, "The team worked tirelessly to "forge a new digital strategy"".