What is forthwith? Pronunciation and usage in English

forthwith means . Learn how to pronounce and use forthwith through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of forthwith

forthwithadverb

/ˌfɔːθˈwɪθ//ˌfɔːrθˈwɪθ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "forthwith." It's a tricky one because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules! Here's a breakdown:

1. Core Sound:

  • "For": Pronounced like "for" in "for you." ( /fɔːr/ )
  • "Th": This is where it gets tricky. It's pronounced like "th" in "thin" ( /θɪn/ ) – a voiceless dental fricative.
  • "With": Pronounced like "with" in "with you." ( /wɪθ/ )

2. The Combination – The Key Part:

The challenge is combining those sounds. The "th" in "forth" doesn't connect smoothly to the "with." Instead, it becomes a single, sustained sound, almost like a single th sound.

3. The Pronunciation (Most Common):

The most commonly accepted pronunciation is: FORTH-WIH ( /ˈfɔːθwɪθ/)

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable: FORTH.

4. Slightly Alternative Pronunciation (Less Common, but still acceptable):

You might occasionally hear it pronounced more like FORTH-WIHT ( /ˈfɔːθwɪht/) – with an extra "t" sound at the end. This is less common and is often perceived as slightly old-fashioned.

5. Tips for Saying It:

  • Think of "forth" as a single unit: Don't really separate "for" and "th."
  • Emphasize the "th" sound: It’s the sustained "th" sound that’s important.
  • Short "i" in "with": Say "with" quickly and with a short "i" sound.

Resources for Hearing It:

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  • Give you some example sentences?

Usage and examples with the word forthwith in English

Let's break down how to use "forthwith" in English. It's a somewhat formal and occasionally archaic word, so it's not used as frequently as words like "immediately" or "right away."

1. Meaning:

"Forthwith" means "immediately; at once." It emphasizes a swift and immediate action or response. It’s stronger and more emphatic than simply saying "immediately."

2. Grammatical Structure:

  • Adverb: It functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

3. How to Use It – Examples:

Here’s a breakdown with examples to illustrate its usage:

  • With Verbs (most common):

    • "The officer instructed the suspect to be silent forthwith." (Meaning: Immediately)
    • "Upon receiving the order, the soldiers marched forthwith to the battlefield." (Meaning: At once)
    • “You should respond to this email forthwith.” (Meaning: Immediately)

  • With Adjectives: (Less common, but possible for emphasis)

    • "He presented a forthwith apology for his mistake." (Meaning: An immediate apology) – This is a slightly more literary or formal construction.

  • With Adverbs: (Rare - often sounds a bit stiff)

    • “She reacted forthwith to the unexpected news.” (Meaning: Immediately reacted)

4. Context and Tone:

  • Formal Writing & Speech: "Forthwith" is generally best suited for formal writing, legal documents, historical texts, or situations where a deliberate, slightly elevated tone is desired. It can sound a bit stuffy in casual conversation.

  • Emphasis: It adds a little extra emphasis to the idea of "immediately." You’re signaling that the action needs to happen right now.

  • Archaic Feel: Be aware that it does have a slightly old-fashioned quality. While not completely obsolete, it's less common in modern everyday speech.

5. Alternatives:

Here are some more common and modern alternatives to “forthwith,” depending on the nuance you want to convey:

  • Immediately (most common and versatile)
  • At once
  • Right away
  • Instantly
  • Without delay
  • Promptly

6. Let’s look at some comparisons:

Word Tone Usage Example
Immediately Neutral Standard, everyday use "Please reply immediately."
Forthwith Formal/Archaic Adds emphasis, formal contexts "He executed the plan forthwith."
At Once Formal Similar to “forthwith,” slightly less dated “Report your findings at once.”

Resources for Further Exploration:

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  • Help you find synonyms that might be more appropriate for a particular situation?

Synonyms for the word forthwith

Practice with vocabulary forthwith

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO demanded that the faulty software patch be deployed __________ to prevent further system failures.
  2. Upon receiving the court order, the company was required to cease all operations __________.
  3. We need to review the project timeline __________ to ensure we meet the upcoming deadline.
  4. The team decided to conduct the analysis __________ after the initial findings were presented, without wasting any time.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The board resolved that the new policy should be implemented __________ to address the growing financial crisis. a) soon b) forthwith c) eventually d) at once

  2. Employees are instructed to report any security breaches __________ to the IT department for immediate investigation. a) later b) without delay c) forthwith d) gradually

  3. The official decree stipulated that all citizens must comply __________ with the new regulations concerning public health. a) immediately b) by and by c) forthwith d) subsequently

  4. We must submit the final budget proposal __________ to be considered by the finance committee next week. a) then b) promptly c) consequently d) later

  5. The new system, once fully installed, will allow us to process customer inquiries more __________ and accurately. a) effectively b) subsequently c) efficiently d) thereafter

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. You need to send the revised proposal to the client without any delay. (Use "forthwith") Rewrite:
  2. The committee decided that all outstanding issues should be addressed at once to ensure project completion. (Use "forthwith") Rewrite:
  3. The manager asked us to complete the comprehensive report very quickly before the stakeholder meeting. (Do NOT use "forthwith", use a suitable replacement word) Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. forthwith
  2. forthwith
  3. promptly
  4. immediately

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) forthwith, d) at once
  2. b) without delay, c) forthwith
  3. a) immediately, c) forthwith
  4. b) promptly
  5. a) effectively, c) efficiently

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. You need to send the revised proposal to the client forthwith.
  2. The committee decided that all outstanding issues should be addressed forthwith to ensure project completion.
  3. The manager asked us to complete the comprehensive report promptly before the stakeholder meeting.

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