gosh

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "gosh" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an interjection, which is an expression of surprise or emotion like "oh" or "wow". You can use it in informal writing or conversations. Example sentence: Gosh, I can't believe how quickly the time passes!.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It looks pretty gosh darn real to me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Whenever anebode mention Art they all sa gosh mikelangelo leenardo wot magnificent simetry of line.

The Economist

The headmaster sa gosh cor is that the medeechi venus hem-hem a grate work so true to life reminds me of young mrs filips enuff said.Molesworth sa on the contry the most beatiful form in art is a Ronald Searle GURL from St Trinian's in a tunick with black suspenders and armed with a hockey stick to beat the daylites out of another gurl or maybe just a teacher chortle chortle.

The Economist

The multi-award winner, who was this week named as the world's best-selling music artist of 2015, has donated eight pairs of tickets, which will be used in a prize draw in aid of The Independent's record-breaking appeal for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

Independent

Gosh, is that the time?

The Guardian

They include the former head of intelligence, Salah Gosh, who was the minder of Osama bin Laden when he lived in Sudan in the 1990s and later co-operated with the CIA.A struggle for power is under way.

The Economist

It is also indicative of the north's attitude to the referendum that the man appointed to oversee it for Khartoum is Salah Gosh, well known to the CIA and to Britain's MI6 as a long-serving former head of Sudan's intelligence services.Northern efforts to drag out, delay or sabotage the referendum are increasingly blatant.

The Economist

This intelligence rapprochement reached its climax this spring when the head of Sudan's intelligence service, Salah Abdullah Gosh, was feted in Washington, DC, for a ten-day debriefing by the CIA.

The Economist

Today, more than 4,000 photographs documenting the hospital's history have been collated in the GOSH annals - many of which, according to archivist Nick Baldwin, who has worked at the hospital for more than 25 years, were likely to have been taken for fundraising literature or to feature in newspapers - as he says, "It was a sure way to reach rich individuals".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And Mr Romney, a stiff, gosh-darn-it plutocrat and grandfather, was pretty much the worst Republican candidate you could imagine for turning out young voters.

The Economist

It has spawned an industry of gosh-did-you-know statistics: in case you care, the total weight of new coins will be 24 times that of the Eiffel Tower.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gosh" sparingly to maintain its impact and avoid sounding dated. It's best suited for informal settings and lighthearted conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "gosh" too frequently, as it can make your writing or speech sound repetitive and insincere. Vary your interjections to keep the tone fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gosh" is to serve as an interjection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a sudden feeling or reaction, such as surprise, mild annoyance, or enthusiasm. Examples in Ludwig highlight its use in everyday conversation to convey emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gosh" is a common interjection used to express surprise, mild annoyance, or enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and suitable for informal contexts. While it may sound slightly old-fashioned, it remains a versatile way to convey emotion in everyday conversation. While the phrase can sound old-fashioned, it is still usable. The context is very important when using this word, as overusing the word can make the writing seem less authentic. The word is most frequent in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Golly

A very similar, slightly less common alternative.

Goodness gracious

A slightly more emphatic and old-fashioned expression of surprise.

Oh my goodness

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes mild surprise or shock.

Heavens to Betsy

An older, folksy expression of surprise, more regional in use.

Gee whiz

An older, somewhat childish expression of mild surprise.

Good heavens

A more formal alternative expressing surprise or concern.

My stars

An old-fashioned expression of surprise or amazement.

Well, I never

Expresses surprise and disbelief, often in a slightly indignant way.

Dear me

A polite and somewhat old-fashioned expression of surprise or concern.

Oh my word

A mild exclamation of surprise or shock.

FAQs

How can I use "gosh" in a sentence?

"Gosh" is typically used as a mild interjection to express surprise, enthusiasm, or mild annoyance. For example, "Gosh, I didn't realize it was so late!"

What's a more modern alternative to "gosh"?

While "gosh" is still understood, more modern alternatives include "wow", "oh my god" (used cautiously), or simply "oh", depending on the context.

Is "gosh" considered old-fashioned?

Yes, "gosh" can sound somewhat old-fashioned. While it's generally harmless and understood, it might not be the best choice if you're aiming for a contemporary tone.

What is the difference between "gosh" and "goodness"?

Both "gosh" and "goodness" are mild interjections. "Gosh" is slightly more informal and implies surprise or enthusiasm, while "goodness" can also express concern or sympathy.