forging

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   Present participle of 'forge': making an illegal copy of something, especially a signature or document.

   Grammar: Takes an object: forging a passport. Often used in progressive tenses.

   Patterns

   • forging something
   • forging a signature
   • forging a document

   He was caught forging his boss's signature on the check.

   She is forging documents to get a visa.

   The gang has been forging passports for years.

2. 2verbtransitivetechnical

   Present participle of 'forge': shaping metal by heating and hammering it.

   Grammar: Takes an object: forging iron. Often used in technical contexts.

   Patterns

   • forging metal
   • forging iron
   • forging steel

   The blacksmith is forging a sword in his workshop.

   They are forging the metal into a beautiful gate.

   Forging requires a very hot fire.

3. 3verbtransitive or intransitive

   Present participle of 'forge': creating a strong relationship or moving forward with determination.

   Grammar: Can take an object (forge a friendship) or be used with 'ahead' (forge ahead).

   Patterns

   • forging a relationship
   • forging a link
   • forging ahead

   The two countries are forging closer ties.

   She is forging a career in journalism.

   Despite difficulties, they are forging ahead with the plan.

4. 4nouncountabletechnical

   The process or result of shaping metal by heating and hammering, or an illegal copy.

   Grammar: Countable when referring to a specific forged object; uncountable when referring to the process.

   Patterns

   • a forging
   • the forging of something

   The museum displayed ancient forgings.

   The forging of the sword took many hours.

   Experts detected the forging immediately.

Word forms

Common combinations

forging a signature

He was arrested for forging a signature on the contract.

forging ahead

The company is forging ahead with its expansion plans.

forging a relationship

The leaders are forging a relationship based on trust.

forging metal

The artisan is forging metal into intricate shapes.

Synonyms and how they differ

counterfeiting

Specifically making fake money or goods; 'forging' is broader, including signatures and documents.

fabricating

Inventing a story or lie; 'forging' implies making a physical or digital copy, not just making up.

molding

Shaping a material, often by pouring into a mold; 'forging' uses heat and hammering.

Word family

forge verb

To make something illegal or shape metal.

forger noun

A person who makes illegal copies.

forgery noun

The crime of making illegal copies, or the copy itself.

Commonly confused: forging or foraging?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “forging”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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