a good move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision or action that is considered beneficial or wise in a particular context. Example: "Investing in renewable energy is a good move for the future of our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or even a good move.

The Guardian - Sport

It wasn't a good move.

Independent

Such a good move!

The Guardian - Film

A good move?

The New York Times

"It was a good move," Tortorella said.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was not a good move.

The New Yorker

Nakamura's 23... Be7 was a good move.

The New York Times

But this is a good move".

The New York Times

It was a good move.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a good move".

The New York Times

That was a good move.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decision or action, use "a good move" to clearly convey that it is beneficial, smart, or strategic.

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated language instead of "a good move" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good move" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as a subject complement or object, describing something as being advantageous. As supported by Ludwig, it indicates an action, decision, or strategy that is considered beneficial or wise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good move" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a beneficial or wise action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is prevalent across news, media, sports, and academic contexts. While generally acceptable, more formal alternatives might be preferred in specific academic or professional settings. Usage patterns indicate high frequency in "news and media", with less frequent occurrences in more technical or formal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style of your writing, considering more sophisticated vocabulary when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smart decision

Emphasizes the intelligence and thoughtfulness behind the decision.

a wise choice

Highlights the prudence and long-term benefits of the selection.

a beneficial step

Focuses on the positive outcome and progress resulting from the action.

a strategic play

Suggests a deliberate and calculated action intended to achieve a specific goal.

a clever maneuver

Implies ingenuity and skill in achieving an advantage or avoiding a problem.

a sound approach

Indicates a reliable and well-reasoned method for addressing a situation.

an excellent tactic

Highlights the effectiveness and skillfulness of the particular tactic or method.

a positive development

Focuses on the progress and favorable change resulting from the action.

a fruitful endeavor

Implies that the action or decision will likely lead to success and positive results.

an advantageous action

Focuses on the benefits and favorable outcomes derived from the specific action undertaken.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good move" to describe a decision, action, or strategy that is considered beneficial or wise. For example, "Investing in renewable energy is "a good move" for the future."

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

You can use alternatives like "a smart decision", "a wise choice", or "a beneficial step" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a good move" in formal writing?

While "a good move" is generally acceptable, it might be better to use more formal alternatives like "a strategic play" or "a sound approach" in academic or business contexts for a more professional tone.

When is it not "a good move" to use the phrase "a good move"?

Avoid using "a good move" when describing actions with potentially negative consequences. In such cases, using phrases like "a necessary evil" or "a difficult decision" might be more appropriate.