a good guess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good guess" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a guess that is likely to be accurate. For example, "I'm not sure what the answer is, but I'm going to make a good guess and say three."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was a good guess.

The New Yorker

"That's a good guess," he says.

Independent

"It's a good guess for someone that doesn't know him.

Independent

"I think that might be a good guess".

The New York Times

It would probably be a good guess that I will live to 80 years.

The New York Times

I would consider that a good guess for a lower end for estimated damage.

The New York Times

Did they make a good guess and have it end up working out O.K.? Maybe so.

The New York Times

Few owners seemed even to know how to make a good guess.

The New York Times

"I'll have a good guess (at how many it's been)," said Ameobi.

Independent

Instead, the game was ultimately decided by a good guess from Barajas.

The New York Times - Sports

A good guess as to the number of addicts in New York City is fifty thousand.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good guess", ensure the context implies an estimation based on some level of knowledge or informed reasoning, not just a random shot in the dark. For example, "Based on the evidence, "a good guess" would be that the suspect knew the victim."

Common error

Avoid using "a good guess" when there is absolutely no basis for the estimation. A random guess lacks any foundation, whereas "a good guess" suggests some level of informed judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good guess" functions as a noun phrase where "good" modifies the noun "guess". It serves to describe the quality of the guess, indicating that it's likely to be accurate or well-reasoned. Ludwig examples show it used in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good guess" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an estimation likely to be accurate based on some level of information or reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. When writing, remember to use "a good guess" when there's some basis for your estimation, and avoid using it for purely random guesses. Consider alternatives like "a good estimate" or "a reasonable assumption" in more formal contexts. This guide provides insights into its proper usage, common errors to avoid, and related phrases to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good estimate

Emphasizes the act of calculating or approximating a value.

a fair guess

Indicates a reasonable or acceptable estimation.

an educated guess

Highlights that the guess is based on knowledge and experience.

a lucky guess

Highlights the role of chance or fortune in making a correct estimation.

a reasonable assumption

Focuses on the logical basis behind the estimation.

a close approximation

Underscores that the estimation is near the actual value.

a solid speculation

Suggests the estimation is well-thought-out but not certain.

a likely prediction

Suggests that the estimation is probable or expected.

a probable assessment

Highlights the likelihood of correctness in the estimation.

a sound judgment

Emphasizes the use of reason and discernment in making the estimation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good guess" to suggest an estimation that is likely accurate based on available information. For instance, "It's "a good guess" that the company will announce record profits this quarter."

What's the difference between "a good guess" and "a wild guess"?

"A good guess" implies some reasoning or basis for the estimation, while "a wild guess" suggests a random, uninformed estimation.

What can I say instead of "a good guess"?

Alternatives include "a good estimate", "a fair guess", or "an educated guess", depending on the context and level of confidence in the estimation.

Is it always appropriate to make "a good guess" in formal writing?

While "a good guess" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "a reasonable estimate" or "a considered judgment" to convey greater accuracy and reliability.