a good turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good turn" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to mean doing a favor for someone. For example, you could say, "My neighbor always does me a good turn by picking up my mail when I'm out of town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a good turn of events.

The New York Times - Sports

Her theater career began as a good turn.

The New York Times

Still, you'll have done her a good turn.

The New York Times

But it may have done the EU a good turn.

The Economist

"I like doing a good turn daily," he said.

The New York Times

"We've done a good turn by the people of York".

The Guardian

Create a good turn and let your core provide the power.

The New York Times

The league offers them opportunities to stay in touch, as well as do a good turn.

The New York Times

"He is the kind of person who really remembers a good turn," she said.

The New York Times

After all, by not voting you do your neighbor a good turn.

The New Yorker

He has a good physique, and a good turn of direction from a standing start.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good turn" when you want to emphasize a helpful or beneficial action that someone has done for another. It carries a positive connotation and suggests a thoughtful act.

Common error

Avoid using "a good turn" in situations where the action is expected or part of someone's job. The phrase implies a voluntary act of kindness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good turn" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb, such as "do" or "owe". It describes a specific instance of kindness or helpfulness. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a good turn" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes an act of kindness or assistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it can be replaced with alternatives like "a favor" or "an act of kindness", "a good turn" carries a specific connotation of thoughtfulness and voluntary action. Remember to use it when you want to highlight a meaningful and helpful gesture. Always aim to perform "a good turn" to others because what goes around, comes around.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good deed

Very similar, but slightly more formal than "a good turn".

a favor

A more direct and simple term for a helpful act.

a helping hand

Highlights the support and aid provided.

an act of kindness

Emphasizes the benevolent nature of the action.

a helpful deed

Highlights the positive and useful aspect of the action.

an act of assistance

A broader term encompassing various forms of help.

a service

Suggests a more formal or professional act of assistance.

a gesture of goodwill

Focuses on the positive intention behind the action.

a charitable act

Implies that the action is motivated by charity or goodwill.

an act of generosity

Emphasizes the unselfish nature of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good turn" to describe an act of kindness or assistance someone provides. For example, "He did me "a good turn" by helping me move my furniture".

What's a more formal way to say "a good turn"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "an act of service" or "an act of assistance". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but are appropriate for professional or academic contexts.

Is "a good turn" the same as "a favor"?

While similar, "a good turn" often implies a more thoughtful or unexpected act of kindness than "a favor". A favor might be a simple request, while "a good turn" suggests a more meaningful gesture.

What is the origin of the phrase "a good turn"?

The phrase is commonly associated with the Boy Scouts' motto to "Do "a good turn" daily", promoting acts of kindness and helpfulness in everyday life.