Good work

USAGE SUMMARY

"Good work" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to praise or congratulate someone for a job they have done. For example: "You submitted the project ahead of schedule. Good work!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Good work, Sport.

The Guardian - Sport

Good work, good movement".

The New York Times - Sports

Good work, Senator Alexander.

The New York Times

Good work guys.

Independent

Good work, Mom.

The New York Times

Good work!" "Oh," Mather says.

The New Yorker

Good work then, Kevin.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Good work, gentlemen.

The Guardian - Books

Good work, Governor Minner!

The New York Times

Good work, fella.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Good work, White House.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Good work" immediately after observing a positive outcome to reinforce desired behaviors.

Common error

Avoid simply saying "Good work" without explaining why the work was good. Provide specific examples of what the person did well to make the feedback more meaningful and helpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Good work" functions as an interjection or expression of approval. It is used to commend someone for their effort or the successful completion of a task. Ludwig examples show its use in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Good work" is a common and versatile phrase used to express approval and offer positive reinforcement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its frequent occurrence across diverse sources—especially in News & Media—underscores its broad usability. While simple, it's most effective when followed by specific feedback. Alternatives such as "well done" or "great job" can add variety, but the core message remains consistent: acknowledgement of a job well executed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Well done

A straightforward expression of praise, similar in tone and usage to "Good work".

Great job

Another common and direct way to commend someone's performance.

You did a great job

A more complete sentence that directly addresses the person being praised.

Excellent work

Emphasizes the high quality of the work performed.

Fantastic work

Uses a more enthusiastic adjective to express approval.

Superb job

Similar to 'excellent,' but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

That's a job well done

Expresses satisfaction with the completed task.

Impressive work

Focuses on the impact and skill demonstrated in the work.

Outstanding effort

Highlights the effort put into the task, rather than just the result.

Commendable performance

More formal and often used in professional settings.

FAQs

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

"Good work" is typically used to express approval or congratulations for a job well done. For example, "You finished the project ahead of schedule. Good work!"

What can I say instead of "Good work"?

You can use alternatives like "well done", "great job", or "excellent work", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "Good work" or "Great work"?

Both "Good work" and "great work" are acceptable. "Great work" implies a slightly higher level of accomplishment or quality.

When is it appropriate to use "Good work"?

"Good work" is appropriate in a variety of settings, from informal conversations to more professional environments. It is generally used to acknowledge effort and positive outcomes.