be good with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be good with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is adept or proficient at a certain skill or activity. For example, "My friend Mary is really good with numbers; she's great at crunching data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He'll be good with the crowds".

The New York Times - Sports

"That'd be good with eggs," she said.

The New York Times

Given the family fortune, Phil must be good with numbers.

Independent

I knew the field goal would be good with Jeff.

The New York Times - Sports

In both, it helps to be good with words.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But surely a minister must be good with numbers.

The New York Times - Magazine

They have to be good with other cats, they have to be good with people and they have to be cats that don't attack people.

The Washington Post

The performance of the system is found to be good with respect to large practical problems.

CIRP Annals

All the other — unaffiliated — Red Hen restaurants would be good with that, too.

The Washington Post

Smoked tofu is used here, but it would be good with smoky bacon or pancetta, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 2001, we guessed he'd be good with a chance to be great.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be good with" to describe someone's abilities or compatibility in specific situations, ensuring clarity and relevance. For example, "She's good with kids" or "He's good with computers".

Common error

Avoid replacing "with" with other prepositions like "at" or "in" when describing someone's skill or ability. Saying "He's good at kids" or "She's good in computers" is grammatically incorrect and changes the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be good with" functions as an adjective phrase, describing someone's ability or proficiency in dealing with a specific subject, object, or person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates skill and positive interaction. Examples include "be good with numbers" or "be good with kids".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be good with" is a common and versatile expression used to describe someone's proficiency, skill, or compatibility in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used. It is prevalent in news articles and online content, indicating its general acceptance. While it can be used in various situations, it’s crucial to use the preposition "with" correctly and avoid substituting it with other prepositions. The phrase is considered grammatically sound, making it a reliable choice for expressing someone's aptitude or ability. The most frequent contexts where you can find "be good with" are News & Media, Wiki and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a knack for

Emphasizes a natural talent or inherent skill.

be skilled at

Highlights the developed expertise in a specific activity.

be proficient in

Stresses a high level of competence and mastery.

excel at

Focuses on superior performance and achievement.

be adept at

Indicates quickness and skill in performing a task.

have a talent for

Highlights an innate ability or gift.

be competent in

Suggests the necessary ability to perform a task adequately.

be comfortable with

Implies ease and familiarity in handling something.

handle well

Focuses on the ability to manage or deal with something effectively.

be capable of

Highlights the general ability to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "be good with" in a sentence?

Use "be good with" to describe someone's proficiency or skill in handling a specific task, subject, or even people. For instance, "He's good with numbers", or "She's good with animals".

What does it mean to "be good with" something or someone?

To "be good with" something means you possess a natural aptitude or developed skill in handling or dealing with it effectively. It can also imply patience and understanding, like being good with children or animals.

What are some alternatives to saying "be good with"?

You can use alternatives like "have a knack for", "be skilled at", or "be proficient in" to express a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be good at" instead of "be good with"?

While "be good at" is also correct, it has a slightly different nuance. "Be good at" typically refers to a skill or activity, whereas "be good with" often implies a natural ability to handle or interact with something or someone. For example, "He's good at math" versus "He's good with people".