will be forgiven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be forgiven" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the act of forgiving someone for a mistake or wrongdoing, often in a future tense. Example: "If you sincerely apologize for your actions, you will be forgiven."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He will be forgiven that profligacy.

Independent

"Yet no sin will be forgiven them.

The New York Times

"Hopefully, when it opens in 2013, all will be forgiven".

The New York Times

Much of Russia's debt mountain will be forgiven or restructured.

The Economist

If the magic works, all will be forgiven.

The New York Times

But if they can deliver profits all will be forgiven".

The Guardian - Tech

I hope the individual responsible will be forgiven".

The Guardian - Tech

"Wrongs will be forgiven, sufferings and losses will be forgiven or forgotten... but anything like a trick will always rankle".

The New York Times

If James lands in Midtown or Amar'e Stoudemire settles in New Jersey, all will be forgiven.

The New York Times - Sports

A young reader will be forgiven for feeling sympathy with Kate at this point.

The Guardian

"If they wish to embrace us, then they will be forgiven," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will be forgiven" to convey a sense of future absolution, often contingent on certain conditions or actions. For example, "If an apology is offered, the mistake "will be forgiven".

Common error

Avoid using "will be forgiven" when active voice is more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The error "will be forgiven" by the team", consider "The team will forgive the error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be forgiven" functions as a passive construction indicating a future action of forgiveness. It describes that someone or something will receive absolution or pardon for a mistake or wrongdoing, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "will be forgiven" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a future possibility of forgiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various sources, particularly in the news and media. It's important to consider the context when using "will be forgiven", as it often implies conditions or actions that must occur before forgiveness is granted. Alternatives like "will be pardoned" or "will be excused" offer subtle differences in formality and nuance. Using the active voice may result in a clearer and more direct communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be pardoned

Focuses on official or formal forgiveness, often from an authority figure.

will be excused

Suggests a more informal release from blame or obligation.

will be absolved

Implies a complete cleansing or freeing from guilt or responsibility.

will be vindicated

Focuses on being proven right or justified after being doubted or accused.

will be exonerated

Similar to vindicated, but typically used in legal or formal contexts.

will be cleared

Suggests the removal of suspicion or charges.

will be let off

An informal way of saying someone will avoid punishment.

will get a pass

Indicates a temporary or situational exemption from consequences.

will have their sins forgiven

Emphasizes religious or moral absolution.

mistakes will be overlooked

Focuses on the act of ignoring errors rather than granting forgiveness.

FAQs

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

The phrase "will be forgiven" is used to indicate that someone's mistake or wrongdoing will be excused at some point in the future. Example: "If he tells the truth, he "will be forgiven".

What can I say instead of "will be forgiven"?

You can use alternatives like "will be pardoned", "will be excused", or "will be absolved" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "will be forgiven"?

It is appropriate when you want to convey that an action or mistake can be excused in the future, often based on certain conditions or actions. The key is the expectation of forgiveness at a later time.

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

"Will be forgiven" refers to a future event of forgiveness, while "is forgiven" indicates that forgiveness is already granted. For example, "If she apologizes, she "will be forgiven" (future)" vs. "Now that she has apologized, she "is forgiven" (present).