Goodbye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Goodbye" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when parting ways or concluding a conversation. Example: "I have to leave now, so goodbye!" Alternative expressions include "Farewell," "See you later," and "Take care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the chaos of saying goodbye, we missed a few hugs.

The Guardian - Travel

It was with sadness the following morning that I said goodbye to the women and their kids, amid promises to meet up in London.

The Guardian - Travel

BS: "What are your future plans?" HZ: "I think I have said goodbye to journalism, but I will keep writing books, because that's my bread-and-butter now.

The Guardian

And with that, Percy - who's listening to the interview - taps his watch and signals it's time to say goodbye.

The Guardian

But the question most observers ask is how long his goodbye will be - and nobody believes that the expulsion by itself will stop him.

The Guardian

I gave my routine homily about future limits, offered what advice I could, and said goodbye, mindful of the likely fatigue he would be suffering.

The Guardian

It may allow them to see their grandchild born, or their daughter marry or to say goodbye to their family in the way they wish.

The Guardian

"The goodbye to Ancelotti was greeted by the players with tears in their eyes," said Leonardo, who has served as Milan's technical director since early last year, at his press conference.

The Guardian - Sport

So goodbye Borders, Zavvi, Tower Records, JJB Sports, MFI – I'm not sure I'm missing you.

The Guardian - Opinion

The schools lost students – Chalmers' nine-year-old daughter has said goodbye to most of her school friends.

The Guardian

Robin Gisby, Network Rail's managing director of operations, who was responsible for the engineering overruns that caused the cancellation of all trains in and out London King's Cross on Saturday, is to forfeit a golden goodbye.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your farewells to avoid repetition; consider using alternatives like "farewell", "see you later", or "take care" depending on the context and your relationship with the person.

Common error

While "goodbye" is versatile, it can sound overly formal in very casual settings. Opt for more relaxed alternatives such as "bye", "see ya", or "later" when speaking with close friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "goodbye" is as an interjection, used to express farewell or departure. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal settings. It serves to signal the end of an interaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Goodbye" is a versatile interjection used to express farewell, suitable for a wide range of contexts from formal to informal. Ludwig shows that while grammatically correct and very common, alternatives like "farewell" or "see you later" can provide more nuanced expressions of parting. It's important to consider the setting and your relationship with the person when choosing the most appropriate farewell. Overall, Ludwig AI confirms its universal acceptability and provides guidance on its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Farewell

More formal and literary alternative to "goodbye".

Adieu

A more dramatic and less frequently used farewell.

So long

An informal and somewhat dated expression for "goodbye".

See you later

Implies a future meeting is expected.

Take care

Expresses concern for the other person's well-being at parting.

Bye for now

Suggests a temporary separation.

Have a good one

A casual and friendly way to say "goodbye", wishing someone well.

Catch you later

Very informal and casual way to say "goodbye".

Until next time

Indicates an expectation of meeting again.

Peace out

Extremely informal slang for "goodbye".

FAQs

What are some formal alternatives to "goodbye"?

Formal alternatives to "goodbye" include "farewell", "adieu", and "until we meet again".

How can I use "goodbye" in a sentence?

"Goodbye" is typically used at the end of a conversation or when departing. For example, "I must leave now, goodbye!" or "She said goodbye and closed the door".

Is it appropriate to use "goodbye" in an email?

Yes, "goodbye" is perfectly acceptable in emails, especially in professional or formal contexts. You might also use alternatives like "sincerely", "regards", or "best wishes" depending on your relationship with the recipient.

What's the difference between "goodbye" and "farewell"?

Both "goodbye" and "farewell" express parting, but "farewell" is generally considered more formal and can imply a more permanent or significant departure than "goodbye".