be in good spirits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be in good spirits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of happiness or positivity, often in social or informal contexts. Example: "Despite the challenges they faced, the team managed to be in good spirits throughout the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was reported to be "in good spirits" and "doing great".

Independent

Following the operation, she was said to be "in good spirits", and a spokeswoman this afternoon said there had been no change in her condition.

Independent

He was arrested and she was airlifted to a hospital, where she was later reported to be "in good spirits".

Huffington Post

"He seemed to be in good spirits.

The New York Times

Osei-Prempeh seemed to be in good spirits.

The New York Times

The composer Charles Wuorinen should be in good spirits.

The New York Times - Arts

She had reason to be in good spirits.

The New Yorker

He appeared to be in good spirits, though dazed by the cameras' lights.

The New York Times

She looked very pretty and seemed to be in good spirits that she could hardly subdue.

The New Yorker

Aside from her leg problems, he said, Violet seemed to be in good spirits.

The New York Times

Although Ceka appears to be in good spirits, some of the younger players were left shaken.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone recovering from an injury or difficult situation, using "be in good spirits" can convey their positive attitude and resilience.

Common error

Avoid using "be in good spirits" when the situation clearly calls for a more nuanced or serious emotional response. It's not appropriate if someone is experiencing profound grief or trauma.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be in good spirits" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a positive emotional state or mood. As shown by Ludwig, it's often used to convey cheerfulness and optimism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be in good spirits" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's positive emotional state, especially after facing difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and suggests alternatives like "be cheerful" or "be optimistic". It's important to use this phrase appropriately, ensuring it aligns with the context and the emotional depth of the situation. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its suitability for neutral communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be happy

A general term for feeling pleasure or contentment.

Be cheerful

Focuses specifically on happiness or joy.

Feel good

Describes a state of physical or emotional well-being.

Be upbeat

Emphasizes an energetic and positive mood.

Be optimistic

Highlights a positive outlook, especially in challenging situations.

Look on the bright side

Suggests focusing on the positive aspects of a situation.

Be lighthearted

Indicates a carefree and cheerful attitude.

Be of good cheer

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing positivity.

Be jovial

Suggests a cheerful and friendly demeanor.

Keep one's chin up

Focuses on maintaining courage and a positive attitude during adversity.

FAQs

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

You can use "be in good spirits" to describe someone who is cheerful and optimistic, especially after a difficult experience. For example, "Despite the challenges, she managed to be in good spirits."

What are some alternatives to "be in good spirits"?

Alternatives include "be cheerful", "be optimistic", or "be upbeat", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "be in good spirits" in formal writing?

While "be in good spirits" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "be of good cheer" might be preferred in certain formal contexts.

What does it mean to "be in good spirits"?

To "be in good spirits" means to feel cheerful, optimistic, and positive, even when facing challenges or difficulties.