a good sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant amount of money or a total that is considered satisfactory or beneficial. Example: "After selling the old car, I received a good sum that I could use for my vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Three to six months' worth of living expenses is a good sum to aim for.

The Times

The owner stubbornly refused to sell it though he was offered a good sum of money for it.

The New Yorker

Only one man -Owen McNamara - stood up to defeat, though he had bet a good sum on the horse.

The New Yorker

He and his siblings inherited a good sum of money and moved to the West Coast, eventually ending up in Beverly Hills.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I would gladly spend a good sum of money for one of his pieces," says Hall. "The originals are unapproachable in price to the man in the street.

The Guardian - Money

At his death, Henty left more than £6,000, a good sum in today's money (nearly £400,000) and a large one for any author.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The best part of the book is the concluding chapter, a good summing up of Nehru's triumphs and failures.

The New York Times - Books

And then there's Picasso – which is a good summing up of 20th-century art in one sentence, if you think about it.

Princeton University

Dismay might be a good summing up of their general feelings," Priddy says.

Vice

"I could have lost $10,000 right around the corner — at least in the short term," said Fitzgerald, adding that the sum was a good amount of money in the current economic climate.

Los Angeles Times

With one child on the way, that was a pretty good sum.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial matters, consider using "a good sum" to denote an amount of money that is significant and beneficial in a particular context. For example, "He inherited a good sum, which allowed him to start his own business."

Common error

While "a good sum" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Instead, opt for more precise alternatives like "a substantial amount" or "a considerable quantity" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good sum" functions primarily as a quantifier, modifying an implied or stated noun (usually "money"). According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a significant or satisfactory amount. The term “good” amplifies the sum making it noteworthy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good sum" is a phrase used to describe an amount that is considered significant and beneficial, particularly when referring to money. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, with a preference for neutral to informal contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it’s less common in formal writing, where more precise alternatives like "a substantial amount" or "a considerable quantity" are preferable. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the positive nature of the amount in question, and be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable amount

Emphasizes the largeness of the amount, shifting the focus from "good" to the significance of the quantity.

a substantial quantity

Highlights the magnitude of the quantity, using a more formal term than "good".

a decent amount

Indicates a satisfactory or acceptable quantity, replacing "good" with a similar qualifier.

a tidy sum

Implies that the amount is neatly organized or pleasing, adding a layer of satisfaction.

a fair amount

Suggests that the quantity is equitable or just, changing the nuance to fairness.

a significant portion

Focuses on the share or part of something, rather than the total amount.

a worthwhile quantity

Highlights the value or benefit of the quantity, shifting the emphasis to its usefulness.

a notable amount

Indicates that the quantity is worth mentioning or paying attention to.

an appreciable quantity

Suggests that the quantity is large enough to be noticed or considered.

a reasonable amount

Implies that the quantity is sensible or appropriate for a given situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good sum" to describe a significant amount of money or resources. For instance, "The sale of the painting brought in "a good sum" for the museum."

What's a more formal alternative to "a good sum"?

Alternatives to "a good sum" in formal contexts include "a substantial amount" or "a considerable quantity". These options offer a more precise and professional tone.

Is "a good sum of" correct, or should I say "a good amount of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a good sum of" is typically used when referring to money, while "a good amount of" is more versatile and can apply to various countable or uncountable nouns.

When is it appropriate to use "a good sum"?

"A good sum" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that an amount is significant and beneficial. It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing financial gains, donations, or inheritance.