a good guy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good guy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is kind, honest, trustworthy, and reliable. For example, "Jeff was always there for me when I needed him; he's such a good guy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Barack's a good guy.

The New York Times

"Troy's a good guy.

The New York Times - Sports

You're a good guy.

The New Yorker

"Rahm's a good guy".

The New York Times

He's also a good guy.

The New York Times - Sports

That I'm a good guy.

The New York Times - Sports

"But he's a good guy".

The New York Times

He is a good guy".

The New York Times - Sports

Donfrey was a good guy.

The New Yorker

"Listen, he's a good guy.

The New York Times - Sports

To be a good guy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good guy" when you want to convey that someone is morally upright, kind, and trustworthy. It's a versatile phrase applicable in various contexts, from describing a friend to acknowledging someone's positive character.

Common error

While "a good guy" is acceptable, avoid relying on it too frequently. Vary your language by using more descriptive alternatives like "a decent person", "a kind soul", or "an honorable man" to add depth to your writing and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good guy" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subjective complement, attributing a positive quality to a person. It generally describes someone who is morally upright, kind, and trustworthy. Ludwig shows examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Sports

17%

General Conversation

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a good guy" is a commonly used expression to describe someone with positive moral qualities. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct. While generally informal, it's widely understood and accepted in conversation and media. It's best to use alternatives or more specific language in formal writing to convey a sophisticated tone. Ludwig examples showcase its use across diverse contexts, with the majority of occurrences found in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decent person

Replaces "good guy" with a more formal term for a moral individual.

a kind soul

Emphasizes the person's kindness and compassion.

a stand-up fellow

Highlights the person's integrity and reliability.

an honorable man

Focuses on the person's high moral principles.

a genuine individual

Stresses the person's authenticity and sincerity.

a swell guy

An older, slightly informal way of expressing the same sentiment.

a great bloke

A British English equivalent.

a solid citizen

Emphasizes the person's contribution to society and community.

a man of his word

Highlights the person's reliability and honesty in keeping promises.

a true gentleman

Emphasizes the person's polite and considerate behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good guy" to describe someone with positive moral qualities, such as kindness, honesty, and trustworthiness. For example, "He's always willing to help others; he's "certainly a good guy"".

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

Alternatives include "a decent person", "a kind soul", "an honorable man", or "a stand up fellow", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a good guy" formal or informal?

"A good guy" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "an honorable man" or "a person of integrity".

Is it appropriate to use "a good guy" in professional writing?

While understandable, "a good guy" might be too casual for professional writing. Opt for stronger, more descriptive terms that highlight specific qualities, such as "reliable colleague" or "dedicated professional".