20 Other Ways to Say “God Forbid”
The phrase “God forbid” is historically used to express a hope that something negative or undesirable does not happen. It’s often employed to convey a sense of concern or to ward off the possibility of misfortune. Here are some variations of this phrase that cater to a variety of contexts and levels of formality.
Formal Alternatives
1. Heaven forbid
Example: “Heaven forbid we ever have to experience such a catastrophe again.” Explanation: This is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned alternative that shares the same dramatic weight as “God forbid.”
2. May it never come to pass
Example: “May it never come to pass that we face such a crisis.” Explanation: This phrase is formal and literary, suited for written or high-register spoken English to express a wish against future events.
3. Let us hope not
Example: “Let us hope not, for the sake of our community’s future prosperity.” Explanation: A very formal way to express the hope that something undesirable will not occur, often used in a collective context.
Casual Alternatives
4. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen
Example: “Let’s hope that doesn’t happen or we’ll be in for a tough time.” Explanation: This is an informal and conversational alternative, expressing a mutual wish to avoid a negative outcome.
5. Hopefully not
Example: “The roads are icy, but hopefully not too dangerous to drive on.” Explanation: A simple and casual expression wishing that something does not happen or is not true.
6. Cross our fingers
Example: “We’ll cross our fingers the weather stays clear for the picnic.” Explanation: Suggests relying on luck to avoid an undesirable outcome, referencing a common superstitious gesture.
Polite Alternatives
7. Let’s pray that does not occur
Example: “Let’s pray that does not occur, as it could negatively impact our project.” Explanation: A polite and somewhat religiously connoted version of expressing hope against an unfortunate event.
8. I would hope otherwise
Example: “Investments should rise, though I would hope otherwise for any decline.” Explanation: A discrete and reserved way to express hope that the opposite of something bad will happen.
9. One would wish otherwise
Example: “One would wish otherwise than to see the community struggle.” Explanation: A third-person expression used to politely express a wish that something does not happen.
Dramatic Alternatives
10. Perish the thought
Example: “Perish the thought that such a tragedy could strike twice.” Explanation: An emphatic and old-fashioned way to insist that something should not even be thought of as a possibility.
11. May that never be
Example: “May that never be the case with our cherished institution.” Explanation: A declaration often used to reject strongly the possibility of something occurring.
12. Not on my watch
Example: “Not on my watch will this company sink into financial ruin.” Explanation: A phrase that implies personal responsibility in preventing an undesirable event and carries a dramatic flair.
Subtle Alternatives
13. Let’s not even consider that
Example: “A downturn in sales? Let’s not even consider that possibility.” Explanation: A subtle way of expressing hope that an adverse event won’t happen, suggesting it’s not even worth thinking about.
14. One shudders to think
Example: “One shudders to think what would happen if the dam broke.” Explanation: This phrase indicates a physical reaction to the mere thought of something bad happening, showing strong aversion.
15. The very idea
Example: “The very idea of such a loss is too much to bear.” Explanation: An understated way of saying “God forbid,” rejecting even the concept of a negative possibility.
Gentle Alternatives
16. May we be spared
Example: “May we be spared the hardships that such a disaster could bring.” Explanation: A gentle request for exemption from a potential misfortune.
17. Hopefully, we will be spared
Example: “Hopefully, we will be spared any further disruptions this year.” Explanation: Another soft and considerate expression hoping to avoid future negative events.
18. We prefer that not to happen
Example: “While we prepare for the worst, we prefer that not to happen.” Explanation: A delicate and tactful way of stating a preference against negative outcomes.
Literary Alternatives
19. Let us fortify against such possibilities
Example: “Let us fortify against such possibilities in our contingency planning.” Explanation: A literary and proactive expression, suggesting measures to prevent an unwanted event.
20. Should providence allow
Example: “We will succeed, should providence allow.” Explanation: This phrase invokes a higher power’s will, comparable to “God forbid,” but with a positive twist.
