gods willing

USAGE SUMMARY

"gods willing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express hope or a desire for something to happen, but with the understanding that ultimately it is up to the will of the gods. Example: "I hope to win the lottery this week, gods willing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The monsoon gods willing — for it is monsoon season — we will have a clear view of one of nature's most awesome spectacles, which is certain to send a shiver down my spine.

The New York Times

But Mr. Assink hinted strongly that this loss might be made good when the orchestra — the strike gods willing — returns to Carnegie Hall for two concerts in November (this time with Mahler's Third Symphony).

The New York Times - Arts

Podcast gods willing, that could happen this Friday.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

God willing, God will open a path for us," he said.

Independent

"God willing, I will keep fighting".

The New York Times

He added, "God willing, that will continue".

The New York Times - Arts

God willing, we will succeed.

The New York Times

God willing, you will convert".

The New York Times

God willing, it will happen.

The Guardian

But God willing, we will overcome".

The Guardian

God willing, this will just continue".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gods willing" when you want to express a hope that acknowledges a higher power or fate, particularly in contexts where divine intervention is considered a possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "gods willing" in contexts that require certainty or are purely secular. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty and reliance on external forces, which might be inappropriate for situations demanding definitive plans or guarantees.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gods willing" functions as an interjection, expressing a wish or hope that an event will occur, contingent upon divine will or fate. Ludwig shows that it's used to add a layer of uncertainty and deference to a higher power when stating a future plan or expectation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Gods willing" is an interjection phrase used to express hope or expectation, acknowledging the influence of a higher power or fate. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, though relatively rare in modern usage. Its primary context is in News & Media, where it adds a layer of nuance to statements about future events. While similar in intent to phrases like "God willing" or "hopefully", "gods willing" carries a slightly more archaic or polytheistic connotation. When using this phrase, consider the audience and ensure the context aligns with the implied belief in external forces influencing outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

God willing

More common variation using the singular 'God' instead of 'gods'.

Deo volente

Latin equivalent expressing the same sentiment of divine will.

Inshallah

Arabic phrase meaning "if God wills it", used similarly.

If fortune allows

Substitutes 'gods' with the concept of 'fortune', implying chance.

If the stars align

Replaces divine will with astrological fate.

Hopefully

A more secular and general expression of hope.

With any luck

Implies a reliance on chance or good fortune.

All being well

Expresses a conditional expectation of a positive outcome.

Circumstances permitting

Acknowledges external factors influencing the desired outcome.

If fate allows

Similar to 'if fortune allows', but with a stronger emphasis on destiny.

FAQs

What is the difference between "god willing" and "gods willing"?

"God willing" is the more common form, referring to a singular God, often in monotheistic contexts. "Gods willing" is less common and typically used in polytheistic or more figurative contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "gods willing" in a sentence?

It's appropriate when expressing hope that a desired outcome will occur, acknowledging that external, possibly divine, forces may influence the result. It can be used in sentences like, "We plan to travel next year, "gods willing"".

What are some alternatives to using "gods willing"?

Alternatives include "hopefully", "with any luck", or "if all goes well depending on the specific connotation you want to convey".

Is "gods willing" considered formal or informal?

It leans towards being slightly informal due to its conversational tone and reliance on a belief system. More formal contexts might prefer alternatives like "circumstances permitting".