a very good thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very good thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a positive opinion or assessment about something. Example: "The new policy implemented by the company is a very good thing for employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's a very good thing.

The New York Times

It could be a very good thing.

The New Yorker

"It's a very good thing.

The Washington Post

And that's a very good thing indeed.

The Guardian - Tech

This is a very good thing.

The Washington Post

"It's a very good thing," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

I think that's a very good thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's a very good thing for me.

The Guardian - Sport

"Actually, that's a very good thing".

The New York Times - Magazine

A very good thing, in Mitchell's opinion.

The New York Times - Books

It's always been a very good thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider stronger synonyms like "a boon" or "a welcome development" for formal tones, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "a very good thing" repeatedly in a single piece of writing; vary your language to maintain reader engagement. Instead, make use of alternatives depending on the context, for example, "positive aspect" or "favorable outcome".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very good thing" functions as a subjective complement or predicate adjective. It describes and evaluates a noun or situation, indicating a positive assessment. Ludwig shows numerous examples from diverse sources supporting its role as an expression of approval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very good thing" is a versatile expression used to convey approval or positive sentiment across a wide range of contexts. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it's important to consider stronger synonyms or more specific language for formal writing to maintain reader engagement. As shown by the many examples available, the phrase remains a useful expression of positivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a favorable outcome

Emphasizes the beneficial result or consequence of a situation.

a positive aspect

Focuses on the positive element of something, rather than its overall goodness.

a step forward

Suggests progress or advancement in a positive direction.

a welcome development

Highlights that a situation has evolved in a desired direction.

all to the good

An idiomatic expression signifying that something ultimately has a positive effect.

a fortunate circumstance

Suggests that luck played a role in the positive nature of something.

an advantage

Focuses on the benefit provided, especially in a competitive context.

a boon

A more formal and concise way of saying something is highly beneficial.

a blessing

Implies a divine or spiritual favor.

a cause for celebration

Highlights that something is worthy of rejoicing and acknowledgment.

FAQs

How can I use "a very good thing" in a sentence?

You can use "a very good thing" to express approval or positive sentiment about an event, situation, or decision. For example, "The company's decision to invest in renewable energy is "a very good thing" for the environment".

What are some alternatives to saying "a very good thing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a positive aspect", "a favorable outcome", or "a welcome development" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a very good thing" formal or informal?

"A very good thing" is generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "a boon" might be preferable in certain situations.

When is it appropriate to use "a very good thing" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to express that something is beneficial, positive, or desirable. Be mindful of overuse and consider varying your language with synonyms to maintain reader interest, such as "an advantage".