a good book

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good book" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a book that is enjoyable, well-written, or valuable in some way. Example: "After a long week, I like to unwind with a good book by the fireplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a good book".

The New Yorker

To a good book.

The New York Times - Travel

A good book.

Independent

Oof, that's a good book.

The New Yorker

It's not a good book.

The New York Times

And, finally, read a good book.

Independent

Bloody hell, this is a good book!

Independent

What makes a good book trailer?

The New Yorker

Surely a good book is a good book.

The Guardian - Books

A good book in any genre is a good book.

The New York Times - Books

She's written a good book.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When recommending "a good book", specify what makes it good. For example, mention its compelling plot, insightful characters, or thought-provoking themes to enhance your recommendation's impact.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "a good book" without providing context. Instead, offer specific details to illustrate why the book is good to create a more engaging and informative recommendation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good book" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, appearing in various contexts from recommending a pleasant pastime to describing a valuable resource.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good book" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an enjoyable, informative, or valuable reading experience. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts. It's frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources, indicating its versatility. When using the phrase, consider providing specific details about the book's qualities to make your recommendation more impactful. Alternatives like "an excellent read" or "a captivating novel" can add nuance to your descriptions. The phrase's consistent usage and positive connotation make it a reliable choice for expressing enjoyment and appreciation of literature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent read

Focuses on the positive reading experience.

a captivating novel

Emphasizes the engaging quality of a fictional work.

an enjoyable book

Highlights the pleasurable aspect of reading.

a worthwhile book

Indicates that the book offers value or benefit to the reader.

a compelling story

Highlights the strength of the book's narrative.

a must-read

Suggests the book is highly recommended and important to read.

a page-turner

Implies the book is exciting and keeps the reader engaged.

an inspiring book

Focuses on the book's ability to provide motivation or insight.

a thought-provoking book

Emphasizes the intellectual stimulation provided by the book.

a fascinating narrative

Highlights the engaging and intriguing nature of the book's story.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good book" to describe something enjoyable to read, such as, "I like to relax with "a good book" on the weekends" or "She recommended "a good book" for my vacation".

What are some alternatives to saying "a good book"?

Instead of "a good book", you could say "an excellent read", "a captivating novel", or "an enjoyable book" depending on the context.

What makes "a good book" good?

What constitutes "a good book" is subjective, but generally includes a compelling plot, well-developed characters, engaging writing style, and thought-provoking themes. Ultimately, "a good book" is one that resonates with the reader.

Is it redundant to describe a book as "a good book"?

While "book" implies something to be read, describing it as "a good book" emphasizes its quality and enjoyability. It's not strictly redundant, as it conveys that the book is particularly worthwhile. You can also use phrases such as "worthwhile book" or "must-read".