Good grief

USAGE SUMMARY

"Good grief" is a common expression used in written English, especially in informal contexts.
It is often used to express frustration, dismay, or surprise. For example: "Good grief, I can't believe I lost my keys again!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Good grief".

The New York Times

Good grief, y'all".

The New York Times

Good grief, a trend?

The New York Times - Sports

"Good grief," he says.

The New York Times - Food

Good Grief, Charlie Brown!

The Guardian - Books

"Good grief, Kenyon!

The New Yorker

Good grief, Charlie Brown.

The New Yorker

"Good grief, no".

The Guardian - Film

"Good grief, no," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Good grief, I wasn't flirting.

The New Yorker

Good grief, he still doesn't get it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Good grief" sparingly in formal writing. While widely understood, it is generally considered an informal expression best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "Good grief" in professional emails or academic papers. Opt for more neutral expressions to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Good grief" is an interjection. It's used to express a sudden emotion, such as surprise, dismay, or frustration. Ludwig AI, like the examples show, confirms this phrase is primarily used to convey feeling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Good grief" is a common interjection used to express surprise, dismay, or frustration. Ludwig AI shows it's grammatically correct but primarily suited for informal contexts. While widely understood, it's best to avoid using it in formal writing or professional communications. Alternatives like "good heavens" or "oh my goodness" can be used depending on the level of formality required. This expression has been popularized by the Peanuts comic strip, where it became one of Charlie Brown's signature phrases. Its frequency in news and media sources highlights its common usage in everyday language. It's important to consider the audience and context when deciding whether to use "Good grief".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Good heavens

Similar expression of surprise or shock, slightly more formal.

Oh my goodness

A milder, more polite expression of surprise or dismay.

Good gracious

An older-fashioned expression of surprise, often used humorously.

Heavens to Betsy

An exclamation of surprise or shock, folksy and somewhat dated.

For Pete's sake

An exclamation of frustration or annoyance, avoiding stronger language.

I can't believe it

Expresses disbelief or shock, more direct and less idiomatic.

What in the world

Expresses surprise or confusion, often in response to something unexpected.

Oh my god

A common expression of surprise, shock, or dismay, more direct and intense.

Are you kidding me

Expresses disbelief and annoyance, often in response to something unfair or unreasonable.

Unbelievable

Expresses strong disbelief or shock, often in response to something surprising or negative.

FAQs

How can I use "Good grief" in a sentence?

"Good grief" is an interjection used to express surprise, dismay, or frustration. For example, you might say, "Good grief, I forgot my wallet at home!"

What are some alternatives to saying "Good grief"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "good heavens", "oh my goodness", or "for Pete's sake".

Is "Good grief" appropriate for formal writing?

Generally, no. "Good grief" is considered an informal expression. It's best to use it in casual conversations or less formal writing. In formal contexts, opt for more neutral alternatives.

What's the origin of the phrase "Good grief"?

The phrase "Good grief" gained popularity through the Peanuts comic strip, where the character Charlie Brown often used it. However, the phrase predates the comic strip, though its usage was popularized by it.