world without end

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "world without end" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to convey the idea of something lasting indefinitely or eternally. An example is: "They promised their love for each other, a bond that would last world without end." Alternative expressions include "forever," "eternally," and "endlessly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

WORLD WITHOUT END By Ken Follett 1,014 pages.

The New York Times - Books

Reconstructed world without end.

The Guardian - Opinion

The world without end ends.

The New York Times

Oh, God, I loved "World Without End".

The New York Times

World Without End, by Hugh Thomas (Random House).

The New Yorker

"Dalziel is, and was, and forever shall be, world without end, amen".

The New York Times

It's downright Biblical,this thrown-together vista,world upon world without end.

The New Yorker

Reviews of "World Without End," "God and Jetfire," "The Household Spirit," and "The Night Stages".

The New Yorker

DOBBS FERRY Upstream Gallery "World Without End," collages by Luis Perelman.

The New York Times

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

The New York Times - Magazine

More and more goods and services will be produced with fewer and fewer hours of labor, world without end.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve this phrase for contexts where a rhythmic, liturgical cadence is desired, as it is heavily associated with the Gloria Patri prayer

Common error

Do not use the phrase if you are literally describing a physical world that has no geographical end. In this idiom, 'world' is a translation of the Latin 'saeculum', meaning 'age' or 'generation'. Use "infinite space" or "limitless expanse" for physical descriptions instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "world without end" functions as a fixed adverbial idiom. While it appears to be a noun phrase, its historical and liturgical usage as seen in Ludwig AI examples shows it modifies verbs or entire clauses to denote eternal duration. It follows a rhythmic pattern common in Early Modern English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "world without end" is a robust and highly respected phrase that bridges the gap between religious tradition and modern literary culture. Ludwig AI data indicates that while its origins are liturgical, its current usage spans across high-authority news outlets and best-selling historical fiction. When you use "world without end", you are not just saying "forever"; you are invoking a specific sense of rhythmic solemnity and historical weight. It remains a powerful tool for writers looking to describe a state of permanence that transcends the immediate moment, making it a staple of formal English prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forever and ever

The most common and direct synonym used to emphasize infinite duration

without end

A simplified version that removes the archaic 'world' component

for all eternity

Carries a more formal and solemn tone similar to the original phrase

eternally

A single-word adverbial equivalent that is more concise but less rhythmic

unto ages of ages

A more literal translation of the Latin 'saecula saeculorum' often found in Eastern liturgy

to the end of time

Focuses on the temporal boundary rather than the state of eternity

evermore

Adds a poetic and slightly archaic flair to the sentiment

timelessly

Shifts the focus to being outside of time rather than having a duration that never ends

perpetually

Suggests a continuous action or state that repeats without stopping

indefinitely

A modern and more clinical alternative used when the duration is unknown or non-specific

FAQs

What does "world without end" mean?

It is an archaic English phrase meaning "forever" or "eternally". It is most famously used at the conclusion of many Christian prayers and doxologies to indicate that God's glory is everlasting.

Is "world without end" still used today?

Yes, it is very common in religious services and literature. According to Ludwig, it also appears frequently in major news publications like "The New York Times" and "The Guardian" when discussing historical fiction or eternal themes.

What is a modern way to say "world without end"?

Depending on the context, you can say "forever", "eternally" or "for good".

Where does the phrase "world without end" come from?

The phrase is a traditional English translation of the Latin 'in saecula saeculorum', found in the Book of Common Prayer and the King James Bible. It was intended to capture the idea of 'unto the ages of ages'.