a good guide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good guide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that provides helpful information or direction. Example: "The book serves as a good guide for beginners learning to cook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But anger is not a good guide.

The Guardian

And I thought to myself, Jimmy'd be a good guide.

The Guardian - Books

Reading such sentences out loud is a good guide.

The Guardian

In this sport, a good guide is a necessity.

The New York Times - Travel

You can find a good guide at greeka.com.

The Guardian

"And my friend David Oats is a good guide".

The New York Times

Detecting phoniness this way is far from fail-safe, but it is a good guide.

The Economist

And for someone completely unfamiliar with Manhattan, a broker can be a good guide.

The New York Times

But the summary aimed at policymakers is not necessarily a good guide to them.

The Economist

On the contrary, it will be a good guide to who we now are.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, the most challenging part of trekking through Dogon country is hiring a good guide.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good guide", consider the specific context to ensure the adjective 'good' accurately reflects the quality of the guidance. Be specific about what makes the guide 'good' – is it reliable, comprehensive, or easy to understand?

Common error

Avoid using "a good guide" when the source offers biased or incomplete information. Always verify the reliability and objectivity of the guide before recommending it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good guide" functions primarily as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object. It describes something or someone that offers helpful information or direction. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good guide" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that describes something or someone that provides helpful information or direction. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and technical writing. It’s important to consider the specific qualities that make a guide "good" to ensure clarity and credibility. While it's found across various formality levels, it remains essentially neutral in register. Top sources include The Guardian and The New York Times, underscoring its prevalence in authoritative publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valuable reference

Highlights the guide's importance as a source of information for consultation.

a helpful resource

Emphasizes the utility of the guide as a source of information.

a sound advisor

Highlights the quality and dependability of the advice given.

a dependable roadmap

Focuses on the guide's ability to provide direction and a clear path.

a reliable advisor

Focuses on the trustworthiness of the guiding figure.

a practical manual

Highlights the guide's hands-on and actionable advice.

an effective mentor

Highlights the guiding figure's role in personal or professional development.

a seasoned expert

Emphasizes the experience and knowledge of the guide.

a trustworthy counselor

Stresses the reliability and integrity of the guide.

a solid framework

Emphasizes the structural support and guidance provided.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good guide" to describe something or someone that provides helpful information or direction. For example, "This book is "a good guide" for beginners in programming".

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

Alternatives include "a helpful resource", "an excellent reference", or "a reliable advisor". The best choice depends on the specific context in which you're using the phrase. For example, use "a helpful resource" when you want to highlight the utility of the guide.

Is it always necessary to specify what makes a guide "good"?

While not always necessary, specifying what makes something "a good guide" can add clarity and credibility. For instance, "a comprehensive and well-researched guide" is more informative than simply "a good guide".

Can "a good guide" refer to a person?

Yes, "a good guide" can refer to a person who provides assistance or direction. For example, "Our tour leader was "a good guide", leading us safely through the mountains".