a good dose of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good dose of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an amount of something that is sufficient for achieving a desired result. For example, "He knew that he needed a good dose of courage in order to take the risky leap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

What they need is a good dose of Goethe's grandeur.

The New York Times

"And a good dose of sex and sadistic violence".

The New York Times

"There was a good dose of fortune," Sneijder said.

The New York Times - Sports

A good dose of lime juice helps this cause.

The New York Times

I'm going bi with a good dose of lesbian.

The New York Times

Daniels' script had a good dose of comedy too.

Independent

Neither is the Caesar ($7.50), which has a good dose of anchovy mixed into the dressing.

The New York Times - Food

So for a good dose of aero-nostalgia, try Joanne Gernstein London's FLY NOW!

The New York Times - Books

I was like a plant suddenly given a good dose of compost and water.

The Guardian

Your best option is to add a good dose of organic matter to improve the soil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But a good dose of political ingenuity proved to be the tugriks' match.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good dose of" when you want to emphasize that a significant, beneficial, or effective quantity of something is needed or present. For example, "The project needs a good dose of creativity to succeed."

Common error

Avoid using "a good dose of" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "a substantial amount of" or "a significant quantity of" to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good dose of" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a significant or beneficial amount. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. Examples from Ludwig show it preceding various nouns, such as "humor", "rationality", and "seaweed solution".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Lifestyle

18%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Food

6%

Travel

4%

Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good dose of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a substantial and often beneficial amount of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While appropriate for many contexts, it should be used cautiously in highly formal or academic writing, where more precise alternatives might be preferred. Examples from Ludwig highlight its application across diverse fields, emphasizing its role in conveying the necessity of a certain quantity for achieving a desired outcome. When writing, remember it's helpful to use alternatives like "a substantial amount of" or "a healthy measure of" to avoid overuse and maintain variety in your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial amount of

Emphasizes the quantity or size more directly.

a healthy measure of

Implies a beneficial and adequate quantity.

a generous helping of

Suggests a plentiful and abundant amount, often in a culinary context but applicable more widely.

a significant portion of

Highlights the fraction or percentage of the total.

a plentiful supply of

Focuses on availability and abundance.

an ample quantity of

Emphasizes that there is more than enough of something.

a fair amount of

Indicates a reasonable or moderate quantity.

a decent quantity of

Similar to a fair amount but can also imply 'adequate'.

a considerable degree of

Focuses on the extent or intensity rather than the amount.

a significant level of

Highlights the intensity or concentration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good dose of" to indicate a substantial or beneficial amount of something. For example, "The film needs "a good dose of humor" to be more appealing."

What are some alternatives to "a good dose of"?

Alternatives include "a substantial amount of", "a healthy measure of", or "a generous helping of", depending on the specific context.

Is "a good dose of" formal or informal?

"A good dose of" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, you might prefer more precise alternatives like "a significant quantity of" or "a considerable degree of".

What's the difference between "a good dose of" and "a lot of"?

"A good dose of" often implies that the amount is beneficial or effective, while "a lot of" simply indicates a large quantity. For example, "The plant needs "a good dose of sunshine"" suggests the sunshine will help the plant, whereas "a lot of sunshine" just means there's much sunshine available.