a good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is good or to compare two things. For example, "I had a good experience with this restaurant compared to my last one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A good guy and a good lawyer".

The New York Times

A good festival augurs a good year.

The New York Times

A good fight's a good fight.

The New York Times - Sports

"A good story is a good story".

The New York Times - Arts

A good employee deserves a good reference.

The New York Times

A good friend and a good "guy".

The New York Times

"Now's a good time".

The New York Times

"It's a good change".

The New York Times

He's a good egg.

Independent

"You're a good wife.

The New Yorker

Have a good evening.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good" to describe something, ensure the noun that follows is specific and provides context for the positive attribute.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a good" in formal contexts. Vary your vocabulary by using more precise and descriptive adjectives to enhance the clarity and sophistication of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good" typically functions as a determiner followed by an adjective, modifying a noun. It serves to describe something positively, indicating a favorable quality or characteristic. Ludwig shows various contexts where this phrase is used, confirming its primary function in descriptive language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

31%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good" is a common and versatile phrase used to express positive attributes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. While suitable for general use, writers should consider more descriptive alternatives in formal settings to enhance clarity and sophistication. Its prevalence in news media and general wikis indicates broad usage across different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent

Replaces "good" with a stronger adjective, indicating superior quality.

a superb

Conveys a sense of exceptional quality and excellence.

a positive

Shifts the focus to the favorable nature of something.

a favorable

Focuses on the beneficial or advantageous aspect.

a fine

Offers a more understated and classic alternative to "good".

a worthwhile

Emphasizes the value or benefit of something.

a remarkable

Implies something is noteworthy or exceptional.

a decent

Suggests something is satisfactory or adequate.

an admirable

Highlights praiseworthy or commendable qualities.

a satisfactory

Indicates that something meets the required standards or expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good" to describe something positive. For example, "That was "a good movie"" or "He is "a good friend"".

What can I say instead of "a good"?

Alternatives include "an excellent", "a positive", or "a fine", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "a good" when describing something positive?

No, you can use other descriptive words. Consider alternatives such as "a remarkable" or "a superb" to add more impact and variety to your language.

What's the difference between "a good" and "a decent"?

"A good" implies a higher level of quality or satisfaction, while "a decent" suggests something is adequate or satisfactory but not necessarily exceptional.