a goodbye that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a goodbye that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific type of farewell or the nature of a goodbye in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "It was a goodbye that left everyone in tears, as they knew they might never see each other again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

After which unfolds a love story and a goodbye that will take your heart, hug it, crush it, and then repair it again.

The Guardian

Suffice to say that in one of my all time favourite adventure stories there is a goodbye that just about broke my tiny heart when I first read it, unprepared as I was.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is the effect the prime minister aimed to create and he succeeded, climaxing with a Prospero-like goodbye that might have been stronger still if his time in office was ending now, not some time next year.

The Guardian - Opinion

I whisper a watery-eyed goodbye that is not visible to them with each step they take into their own, setting the words to the wind knowing they'll carry through and surround them.

Huffington Post

It was a long goodbye that accustomed Cubans to his mortality.

The Guardian

Whatever the reason, advertisers ended their obsession with "Seinfeld" with a long goodbye that for the most part complemented the strong sendoff for the series.

The New York Times

It is only when we learn that his father is dying, and Robert must travel back to the family home in Washington state for a last goodbye, that we learn that Robert is in retreat from his poisoned vocation: once a brilliantly promising classical pianist, he has angrily given up music, having failed to reach the standards set by his father and by himself.

The Guardian - Film

But also, because Arya delivered a puzzling goodbye: "That's not you," she told Nymeria.

Huffington Post

French people kiss to say goodbye, that is our custom.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even as you're saying goodbye, that's important.

Vice

The musical to end all musicals was literally that, an emphatic goodbye that ensured all subsequent revivals, except perhaps for Mr. Sondheim's, would bear a whiff of camp.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a goodbye that" to describe a specific quality or characteristic of a farewell, adding depth and context to the narrative. For example, "It was "a goodbye that" lingered in the air, heavy with unspoken words."

Common error

Avoid generic descriptions like "a sad goodbye that" or "a quick goodbye that" without providing specific details. Instead, focus on the unique elements of the farewell to make it more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a goodbye that" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It introduces a relative clause that provides additional information about a specific goodbye. Ludwig AI identifies this as a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a goodbye that" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase modifier used to describe and characterize a particular farewell. While relatively uncommon, its primary context is in news and media sources. When using this phrase, focus on providing specific and unique details to avoid clichés and enhance the emotional impact of the goodbye. Consider alternative phrases like "a farewell that" or rephrasing to describe the goodbye more directly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a farewell which

Replaces 'that' with 'which', offering a slightly more formal tone.

a parting that

Substitutes "goodbye" with "parting", focusing on the act of separation.

a leave-taking that

Uses "leave-taking" as a more formal synonym for "goodbye".

a send-off that

Replaces "goodbye" with "send-off", emphasizing the act of wishing someone well.

a valediction that

Employs the formal term "valediction" for a final farewell.

a moment of farewell that

Adds more emphasis on the moment of farewell.

a final adieu that

Uses the French term "adieu" to signify a lasting farewell.

a departure that

Focuses on the action of leaving rather than the farewell itself.

a so long that

Uses the phrase "so long" as a less formal alternative to "goodbye".

a Godspeed that

Employs "Godspeed" which is a more old-fashioned way to wish someone well.

FAQs

How can I use "a goodbye that" in a sentence?

"A goodbye that" is used to describe a specific aspect or characteristic of a farewell. For example, "It was "a goodbye that" no one expected."

What are some alternatives to using "a goodbye that"?

Alternatives include "a farewell that", "a parting that", or describing the goodbye with an adjective like "an emotional goodbye".

Is "a goodbye that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a goodbye that" is grammatically correct. The structure is typically followed by a clause that further describes the goodbye.

In what contexts is "a goodbye that" most appropriate?

This phrase works well in narrative and descriptive contexts, especially when emphasizing a particular quality or impact of the farewell. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings depending on the descriptive words that follow.