should be forgiven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be forgiven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the idea that someone deserves to be pardoned for a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "Despite his past mistakes, I believe he should be forgiven for his actions and given a second chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Religion

Politics

Forgiveness

Debt Relief

Sports

Arts

Human Behavior

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She should be forgiven for seeming skeptical.

The New York Times - Travel

He should be forgiven, however.

The New York Times - Science

But perhaps Baxter should be forgiven.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, for the most part the misreaders should be forgiven.

The New Yorker

But Jean Nouvel should be forgiven for resurrecting old ghosts.

The New York Times - Arts

But we should be forgiven a sense of unease.

The New York Times

But if these are flaws, they should be forgiven.

The Guardian - Opinion

Francis has been more conciliatory, saying gay clergymen should be forgiven and their sins forgotten.

Independent

But they should be forgiven for being confused.Politicians like to deride expensive programmes.

The Economist

Everyone should be forgiven a certain amount of self-indulgence on their wedding day.

The Economist

And because of that he should be forgiven for all the hubris that his memoir reveals.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of your writing's tone, "should be forgiven" may sound condescending or dismissive depending on your approach.

Common error

Avoid using "should be forgiven" as a blanket statement without providing adequate reasoning. Readers may perceive it as insincere or as an attempt to downplay the severity of the offense. Always offer a rationale or context to support the idea of forgiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be forgiven" functions as a modal passive construction. The modal verb 'should' expresses an opinion or recommendation, while 'be forgiven' is the passive form of the verb 'forgive'. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this combination suggests that someone ought to receive forgiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Opinion

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be forgiven" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to suggest that someone deserves or warrants forgiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media, opinion pieces, and religious discussions. While the phrase itself maintains a neutral register, its application often involves considerations of morality, justice, and redemption. It is important to provide clear justification and context when using "should be forgiven", avoiding overuse and ensuring sincerity in advocating for forgiveness. Alternatives such as "deserves to be pardoned" or "ought to receive forgiveness" can be used to vary the phrasing while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deserves to be pardoned

Emphasizes the deserving nature of being forgiven.

ought to receive forgiveness

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a moral obligation.

is worthy of absolution

Uses the more formal term "absolution" to suggest a complete cleansing of guilt.

merits a pardon

Highlights the act of granting a pardon as a deserved outcome.

warrants clemency

Implies that the situation justifies a lenient or merciful approach.

has earned reconciliation

Focuses on restoring a relationship through forgiveness.

is entitled to redemption

Suggests that the person has a right to be saved or rescued from their wrongdoing.

is excusable

Emphasizes the capacity to excuse the mistake

deserves a clean slate

Highlights the wish to cancel past mistakes

warrants a reprieve

Warrants a respite or delay of a penalty.

FAQs

How do I use "should be forgiven" in a sentence?

Use "should be forgiven" when you want to express the idea that someone deserves to be pardoned for a mistake or wrongdoing. For example: "Despite his past mistakes, I believe he "should be forgiven" for his actions and given a second chance."

What are some alternatives to "should be forgiven"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to receive forgiveness", "deserves to be pardoned", or "is worthy of absolution", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to say someone "should be forgiven"?

No, it's not always appropriate. The decision to forgive depends on the severity of the offense, the remorse shown by the offender, and the impact on those affected. Saying someone "should be forgiven" implies a judgment that may not be shared by everyone involved.

What's the difference between "should be forgiven" and "could be forgiven"?

"Should be forgiven" expresses a stronger sense of obligation or recommendation for forgiveness. "Could be forgiven" suggests a possibility or potential for forgiveness, but without necessarily implying that it's the right or best course of action.