Greater good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greater good" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing actions or decisions made for the benefit of the majority or society as a whole. For example, "They decided to sacrifice their own comfort for the greater good." Alternative expressions include "common good," "public benefit," and "collective welfare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The greater good.

The New York Times

For a greater good.

The Guardian - Books

No greater good.

The Guardian - Tech

But it's for the greater good.

The New York Times

Our investments in the greater good?

The New York Times

I did it for the greater good".

The New York Times - Sports

"It wasn't a greater good," he said.

The Guardian

"I think there's a greater good.

The New York Times - Science

8 P.M. (ABC) LOST "The Greater Good".

The New York Times

The individual life versus the greater good.

The Guardian

"The greater good for the greatest number".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "greater good", ensure it's clear who benefits and what sacrifices, if any, are being made to achieve it. Providing context can prevent misunderstandings about intentions and outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "greater good" as justification without considering diverse perspectives. What seems beneficial to some may disadvantage others, so acknowledge potential conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greater good" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "for the greater good") or as a subject complement. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greater good" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to justify actions by highlighting their benefits for a larger group or society. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is important to acknowledge potential ethical considerations. Always consider diverse perspectives to ensure that the "greater good" is not used to disproportionately harm certain groups or individuals. Alternatives such as "common good" or "public benefit" may be used depending on the specific emphasis desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Common good

Focuses on what benefits all members of a community, emphasizing shared benefits.

The greater benefit

Adding "the" emphasizes the significance of the benefit.

Public benefit

Highlights the advantages and positive outcomes for the population at large.

Collective welfare

Emphasizes the well-being and prosperity of a group or society as a whole.

General welfare

Similar to collective welfare, but stresses the overall health and happiness of the community.

Societal benefit

Highlights the advantages for society, considering the impact on its structure and function.

Good of society

A more straightforward way of expressing the positive outcomes for the community.

Benefit of all

Focuses on the inclusiveness of the positive outcome, ensuring everyone gains.

Overall benefit

Highlights the overall advantages, without necessarily focusing on who benefits.

Community benefit

Stresses the advantages for a specific community or group.

FAQs

How can I use "greater good" in a sentence?

You can use "greater good" to describe actions or decisions that benefit the majority or society. For instance, "The new policy was implemented for the "greater good", even though some individuals were inconvenienced."

What can I say instead of "greater good"?

Alternatives to "greater good" include "common good", "public benefit", or "collective welfare", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "greater good"?

It's appropriate when discussing actions intended to benefit a large group or society, especially when those actions might involve some level of sacrifice or compromise from individuals or smaller groups. Ensure it's clear how the "greater good" is being served.

What are the ethical considerations when invoking the "greater good"?

Consider whether the benefits truly outweigh the costs for all parties involved. It's crucial to assess whether the "greater good" is being used to justify actions that disproportionately harm certain groups or individuals. Transparency and fairness are key.