forthwith

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "forthwith" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb, meaning "immediately," "at once," or "without delay." An example sentence would be, "Forthwith, he began to make the necessary preparations for the task ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of these are to be given school-improvement partners to chivvy them into raising their game, some taken over by better-performing neighbours, and some closed forthwith and replaced by "academies"—state-funded independent schools that are overseen directly from Whitehall.But these half-measures do not seem to have done even half the job.

The Economist

If Iraq's leader tells the Americans to go forthwith, they must do so.

The Economist

He says that large areas of the West Bank must be annexed forthwith, circumscribing the main Palestinian towns as islands of autonomy at most.

The Economist

Several radical Shias, reckoning that their leaders might be more able to impose their authority on the country if the Americans and their allies were to leave forthwith, blamed the Americans.

The Economist

Watching the trial live on television, or standing outside the court building listening to the proceedings through loudspeakers, Filipinos did not know whether to laugh or cry, as a bumbling prosecution team ineptly set about trying to prove that Mr Estrada was a villain who should forthwith be removed from office.

The Economist

But in the meantime it has had no option other than to cancel all flights forthwith, stranding some unlucky fliers.

The Economist

Whereas the lawyers treat Mr Abdel Jalil as a figurehead, he reckons he is the new president.Although the liberals want Colonel Qaddafi to depart forthwith, Mr Abdel Jalil says his offer to negotiate should be considered.

The Economist

Boot out the unelected peers forthwith!

The Economist

The soviets should forthwith confiscate landlords' estates without compensation, nationalize all land, and divide it among the peasants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One view was that there would be an immediate individual judgment and that instant justice would follow: the deceased would be dispatched forthwith to hell or paradise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is an act of aggression and will you ask the Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make a statement about what Her Majesty's Government will do to ensure these illegal incursions into British sovereign waters are stopped forthwith?" The Commons Leader said the Government had protested to Spain through diplomatic channels.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context; "forthwith" can sound archaic or overly formal in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "forthwith" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound pretentious or out of place. Opt for more common synonyms like "immediately" or "right away" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "forthwith" functions primarily to modify verbs, indicating that an action should be carried out immediately and without any delay. Ludwig AI confirms that is usable in written English. Its use emphasizes urgency and compliance, often in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "forthwith" denotes immediacy and is grammatically sound. As Ludwig AI points out, it means "immediately; without delay". While correct, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in formal writing such as news reports, encyclopedia entries, or legal documents. This is primarily used to convey urgency and commands immediate action. For more casual communication, alternatives like "immediately" or "right away" might be more appropriate. Keep in mind that "forthwith" should not be used in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Immediately

A common synonym that emphasizes the lack of delay, suitable for most contexts.

At once

Highlights the instantaneous nature of the action, though slightly less formal.

Without delay

A more descriptive phrase, useful for explicitly stating the absence of hesitation.

Instantly

Emphasizes the immediate effect or result of an action.

Right away

A more casual alternative, suitable for informal situations.

Promptly

Suggests efficiency and a lack of procrastination.

Directly

Implies an immediate and unbroken connection between cause and effect.

Straightaway

A more British English alternative, indicating immediate action.

Posthaste

An archaic term implying great urgency, suitable for dramatic effect.

Expeditiously

Highlights the efficiency and speed with which an action is carried out.

FAQs

How to use "forthwith" in a sentence?

"Forthwith" is typically used to indicate that something should be done immediately or without delay. For example, "The contract stipulates that payment is due "immediately" upon receipt of the invoice."

What can I say instead of "forthwith"?

You can use alternatives like ""immediately"", "at once", or "without delay" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "forthwith" or "forth worth"?

"Forthwith" is a single word meaning immediately. "Forth worth" is not a standard English phrase and is likely a misspelling or misunderstanding.

Is "forthwith" formal or informal?

"Forthwith" is considered a formal term. In informal contexts, alternatives like "right away" or ""immediately"" are more appropriate.