a good detective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good detective" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is skilled at solving crimes or mysteries. Example: "Sherlock Holmes is often regarded as a good detective due to his exceptional analytical skills and keen observation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"As a good detective I can earn 3,000 Euros [ about £2600] a month and as someone who runs a detective agency, I really could not complain about my income," he says coyly.

Vice

"You're a good detective".

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet Roberts was also a good detective.

Independent

A good detective benefits from having a good partner.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's sort of like being a good detective".

The New York Times

That expertise, plus the doggedness, skepticism and intuitions of a good detective, served him well.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Moreover, my search for Mr. Greenglass provided a good detective-story backdrop.

The New York Times

Unlike those two though, who had a doggedness and scuffed cool to them, Velcoro isn't a very good detective (witness Frank's unwillingness to wait for "the Velcoro burnout to make like Rockford") and he's certainly not hip.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The DWP could not have read that meter, thought Mrs. Haney, a pretty good detective.

Los Angeles Times

"He was a really good detective when he was here," one BPD officer, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of Crystal's case, told The Huffington Post.

Huffington Post

But the policeman turns out to be an uncommonly good detective, since, as Greene argued, "you cannot love without intuition".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a fictional character, emphasize specific traits that make them "a good detective", such as observation skills or analytical abilities.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on stereotypical detective tropes. Instead, develop unique characteristics and methods that make the detective stand out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good detective" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes someone possessing the qualities of a capable investigator, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a good detective" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone skilled at solving crimes or mysteries. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to avoid clichés and consider more sophisticated alternatives like "an adept investigator" or "a capable sleuth" depending on the situation. Overall, the phrase is widely accepted and understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a skilled investigator

Replaces "good" with "skilled" offering similar meaning.

an adept investigator

Replaces "good" with "adept" and "detective" with "investigator", emphasizing skill.

a capable sleuth

Substitutes "detective" with "sleuth", offering a more classic or literary feel.

a proficient crime-solver

Emphasizes the crime-solving aspect of the role.

an efficient problem-solver

Shifts the focus to the problem-solving aspect of detective work.

a talented law enforcement officer

Broadens the scope to law enforcement while still implying detective abilities.

a sharp observer

Highlights the observational skills of a good detective.

a clever analyst

Focuses on the analytical skills required.

an experienced gumshoe

Uses the slang term "gumshoe" for detective, implying experience.

an astute inquirer

Highlights the inquisitive nature of a detective.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good detective" to describe someone skilled at solving mysteries or crimes. For example, "Sherlock Holmes is known as "a good detective" because of his sharp observation skills".

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

Alternatives include "an adept investigator", "a capable sleuth", or "a skilled investigator", depending on the context.

What qualities define "a good detective"?

Key qualities of "a good detective" include keen observation, analytical skills, persistence, and the ability to think critically.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a good detective" in formal writing?

Yes, "a good detective" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "an astute inquirer" in highly formal contexts.