a good passage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good passage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a section of text that is well-written, meaningful, or impactful, often in the context of literature or writing analysis. Example: "In her essay, she quoted a good passage from the novel that perfectly illustrated the main theme."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He didn't edit or anything, he simply said, "OK, this is a good passage here, kid.

Harvard University

Often he'll end a good passage with some grain of gnomic country wisdom.

The New York Times - Books

More covers-airer than curtain-raiser, really, until brighter afternoon skies allowed a good passage of play either side of tea.

Independent

It was not just a matter of using quotation marks, the professor said, but of toiling to write a good passage rather than appropriating one.

The New York Times

That would have been a good passage to read to the troops just before Bing sang "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas".

The New Yorker

The Wallabies responded with a good passage of attacking play and Israel Folau beat George North to a high kick but a knock on gave the visitors a lucky break.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"It was quite a rough race but Ryan negotiated a very good passage for him.

The Guardian - Sport

"We might have a perfectly good passage about Renaissance painting that might say something like, 'in all of art,' when that author means you to understand 'in all of Western art,' " he said.

The New York Times

Stoke enjoyed a few good passages of play and a big late chance for Joselu, but didn't do too much otherwise.

Independent

For various reasons I won't go into here, though I think this is a good universalist passage, I don't think this passage is quite as strong as some of the passages we looked at in section 2. I bring it up because it's in response to this verse that I've found a commentator making a move I've heard many times in conversation.

Yale University

There are a few good passages about the narrator's love of jazz, but they felt tacked onto the main narrative and I was still left wondering why someone growing up on a farm in 1930s Aberdeenshire became so interested in the music in the first place.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing feedback on written work, use "a good passage" to positively reinforce specific instances of strong writing, highlighting what makes the passage effective and memorable.

Common error

Avoid using "a good passage" as a generic compliment. Be specific about why the passage is good, such as its clarity, imagery, or persuasive power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good passage" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a specific section of text or period of activity. It typically acts as a subject complement or object, indicating the quality or effectiveness of the passage. Ludwig AI validates that this is grammatical.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a good passage" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a section of text, or a period of activity that is deemed effective or well-executed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, it serves to highlight positive attributes. When using this phrase, specificity is key; avoid vagueness by articulating why the passage is considered "good". Alternatives such as "an excellent excerpt" or "a fine section" may be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent excerpt

Focuses more on the quality and selection of the section.

a fine section

Emphasizes the quality and demarcation of the part.

a compelling excerpt

Highlights the engaging or persuasive nature of the selected part.

a remarkable segment

Stresses the noteworthiness or distinctiveness of the section.

a noteworthy portion

Underscores the significance or importance of the specific part.

an insightful piece

Indicates the section offers understanding or perspective.

a telling fragment

Suggests the section reveals something important.

a brilliant extract

Highlights the exceptional quality of the selected part.

an impressive selection

Emphasizes the merit and choice of the section.

a choice cut

Informal expression for a particularly good selection.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good passage" to refer to a section of text that is well-written or effective. For example, "The professor highlighted "a good passage" from the essay to illustrate the author's main point."

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

Alternatives include "an excellent excerpt", "a fine section", or "a compelling excerpt", depending on the specific quality you want to emphasize.

Is it subjective to consider a passage "a good passage"?

Yes, whether a passage is considered ""a good passage"" can be subjective, as it depends on individual interpretation and criteria for effective writing. However, certain elements like clarity, coherence, and impact can be objectively assessed.

Can "a good passage" refer to something other than text?

While ""a good passage"" typically refers to a section of text, it can metaphorically describe a successful period or phase in other contexts, such as "a good passage of play" in sports.