might be forgiven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be forgiven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of someone being excused or pardoned for a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "While his actions were questionable, they might be forgiven given the circumstances he faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They might be forgiven.

The New York Times - Books

EUROPEANS might be forgiven for feeling bruised.

The Economist

Others might be forgiven a little bemusement.

The Guardian

A reader might be forgiven for feeling woozy.

The New York Times - Books

Today, though, he might be forgiven a little hubris.

The Economist

You might be forgiven, therefore, for assuming they are safe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thanks very much, you might be forgiven for thinking.

The Guardian

An impartial observer might be forgiven for being surprised.

The Guardian - Music

But he might be forgiven for a bit of nostalgia.

The New York Times

Perhaps that sin might be forgiven in an American journalist, but not in Jean Clottes.

The New Yorker

New Yorkers might be forgiven for feeling left out of the presidential campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be forgiven" to express a tentative possibility of excusing or overlooking a mistake or fault, often when there are mitigating circumstances or reasons for leniency. It suggests a conditional acceptance rather than a definite pardon.

Common error

Avoid using "might be forgiven" as a blanket statement without providing context or reasons why the action could be excused. Always ensure there is a logical basis for considering forgiveness, otherwise, it can weaken your argument or seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be forgiven" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential for an action to be excused or pardoned. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might be forgiven" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility of excusing or pardoning an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and high frequency in reputable sources, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's crucial to provide context when using this phrase to ensure the potential for forgiveness is logically justified. Alternatives such as "could be excused" or "may be pardoned" can be used in more formal settings, but "might be forgiven" remains a common and acceptable choice across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be excused

Suggests a possibility of being excused, often due to mitigating circumstances.

may be excused

Similar to "could be excused" but carries a slightly more formal tone.

could be pardoned

Implies a formal act of forgiveness, typically by an authority figure.

may be pardoned

A more formal alternative implying official forgiveness.

is possibly forgivable

Highlights the possibility that the action can be forgiven, addressing the act itself.

is potentially excusable

Emphasizes the potential for the action to be excused, focusing on justifiability.

one could understand

Focuses on the understandability of the action, implying a degree of acceptance.

one could condone

Suggests a willingness to overlook or accept the behavior, implying a moral judgment.

it's understandable

Directly states that the action is understandable, often implying mitigating factors.

one might overlook

Suggests choosing to ignore the fault or offense, emphasizing leniency.

FAQs

How can I use "might be forgiven" in a sentence?

Use "might be forgiven" to suggest that an action or mistake could potentially be excused or overlooked. For example, "His error "might be forgiven", given his inexperience."

What's a more formal alternative to "might be forgiven"?

A more formal alternative could be "may be pardoned" or "could be excused", which implies a more official or serious consideration of forgiveness.

Is it appropriate to use "might be forgiven" in academic writing?

Yes, "might be forgiven" is appropriate in academic writing when discussing potential justifications or mitigating factors for actions or errors. It conveys a nuanced perspective on accountability.

What is the difference between "might be forgiven" and "is forgiven"?

"Might be forgiven" suggests a possibility or potential for forgiveness, while "is forgiven" indicates that forgiveness has already been granted. The former is conditional, whereas the latter is definitive.