god save us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'God save us' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression of hope or a supplication to God for help of some kind. For example, you might say, "God save us from this pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

God save us all.

The Guardian - Opinion

God save us from religion.

The Guardian - Sport

God save us from anodyne centralised rubbish.

The Guardian

And may God save us all.

The Guardian - Opinion

God save us from ever ending, though billions have.

The New Yorker

As Atatürk wouldn't have said, God save us.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

God saved us from that boat.

The Guardian

"After the raid I thought: God saved us.

The Guardian

"I said to my wife, 'let's hold each and hope that God saves us,'" said Jorge Quintero, a local resident, describing to RCN TV how he was trapped between two raging currents that had taken with it two homes on either side of his own.

The Guardian

"I am happy because God saved us, saved my children, saved my husband, saved me too," she said.

BBC

"I said to my wife, let's hold each other and hope that God saves us and I know he gave us his hand because here we are, alive, still frightened, but still alive".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "God save us" to express a strong desire for divine intervention when facing challenging or overwhelming circumstances. Ensure that the context aligns with the gravity of the situation to maintain the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "God save us" in mundane or insignificant situations. Overusing the phrase dilutes its significance and can make your communication seem insincere or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "God save us" functions as an interjection or exclamatory expression. It is used to express a strong emotion, typically a plea for help or deliverance from a difficult or dangerous situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "God save us" is a powerful plea for divine assistance, often used when facing dire circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, it is essential to reserve this expression for situations that genuinely warrant such a solemn appeal. Alternatives such as "heaven help us" or "lord have mercy" can provide similar sentiments. Keep in mind that excessive use might dilute its impact, therefore writers should employ it judiciously to maximize its communicative effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

God help us

A more direct and common variation, emphasizing the need for divine help.

Heaven help us

Uses 'heaven' instead of 'God', maintaining a similar religious connotation and expressing a need for divine assistance.

God preserve us

Emphasizes the preservation aspect, asking for protection from harm or danger.

Lord have mercy

Directly asks for divine mercy, implying a dire situation.

May God protect us

Focuses on the protective aspect of divine intervention.

We're doomed

A non-religious expression of a hopeless situation requiring salvation.

We're in trouble

Indicates a problematic situation, implying a need for rescue or help.

This is a disaster

Expresses dismay and concern about a negative event or situation.

What have we done

Reflects on a past action with regret, implying negative repercussions and seeking a way out.

I can't believe it

Expresses disbelief and shock at an event or situation, sometimes implying negative consequences.

FAQs

What does the expression "God save us" mean?

The expression "God save us" is a plea for divine intervention or help, typically used when facing a dire or challenging situation. It expresses a hope for rescue or protection from harm.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "God save us"?

It is appropriate to use "God save us" when expressing a strong desire for divine assistance during serious or overwhelming circumstances. Be mindful of the context to avoid misusing the phrase in trivial situations.

What are some alternatives to saying "God save us"?

Alternatives to "God save us" include "heaven help us", "lord have mercy", or "may God protect us". The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "God save us" a formal or informal expression?

"God save us" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is generally more common in speech or writing that allows for emotional expression. Its appropriateness depends on the audience and the overall tone of the communication.