Forego vs. Forgo
Cambridge gives “forgo” as the verb meaning to do without and records “forego” as a variant, so a rigid claim that one spelling can never carry that meaning would overstate the evidence. “Foregoing” also has a distinct formal adjective use.
For the verb meaning “do without” or “give up,” “forgo” is the clearest spelling; Cambridge also records “forego” as a variant. “Foregoing” separately commonly means previously mentioned.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Context or meaning | Choose | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| do without / give up | forgo | clearest default |
| same verb as recorded variant | forego | documented variant |
| previously mentioned | foregoing | separate adjective use |
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “forgo” as the least ambiguous spelling for “do without”; recognize “forego” as a recorded variant.
Usage Boundary
Do not confuse the variant verb spelling with the adjective “foregoing,” which commonly refers to something previously mentioned.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- FORGO — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Meaning and inflection of forgo, including forego as a recorded variant
- FOREGOING — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Separate adjective sense of foregoing meaning previously mentioned