be on good terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on good terms" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a friendly or amicable relationship between people. Example: "Despite their differences, they managed to be on good terms and worked together effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Kaplan said he had come to be "on good terms" with the College Board and test makers.

The New York Times

Frankly, one needs to be on good terms with the customs officials," says one furniture manufacturer, who claims to have 80 tonnes in his store.

The Guardian

The outgoing president has reasons to be on good terms with the new one: his war on organised crime has left him with a price on his head and in need of protection when he leaves office.

The Economist

Instead, try to be on good terms with everyone without becoming stuck in one social circle; your happiness will grow as a result.

WikiHow

The relationships between human beings and gods are not generally very friendly: either human beings are created to be slaves for the gods, or they may be on good terms with some gods and not with others.

The Guardian - Opinion

It pays to be on good terms with the neighbours in this remote corner of Poland, one of the last tracts of wilderness in Europe where these animals still roam freely.

BBC

We just want to trade and be on good terms.

The New York Times

He is said to be on good terms with Putin.

The Guardian

In that case, he said, it would be nice to be on good terms with God.

The New York Times

In anticipation of another hung parliament, Conservatives and Labourites are keen to be on good terms with him.

Independent

IT IS hard to be on good terms with the neighbours when they keep blowing up your house.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be on good terms" when describing how to navigate workplace dynamics, stressing the importance of positive relationships with colleagues for a harmonious work environment.

Common error

Don't assume that people are truly on good terms simply because they are polite to each other. Genuine good terms involve mutual respect and understanding, not just surface-level interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on good terms" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of a relationship between two or more parties. Ludwig AI highlights that it's commonly used to indicate a friendly or amicable relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be on good terms" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a friendly or cooperative relationship. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to indicate amicable relations between people, groups, or nations. While not overly formal, it's a versatile phrase suitable for many situations. When using the phrase, remember that it implies more than just politeness; it suggests mutual respect and understanding. Be mindful of the context and choose alternatives like "have a good relationship" or "get along well" to fine-tune your meaning. The frequency of the phrase highlights its continued relevance in modern English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be on amicable terms

Similar, but emphasizes a sense of peace and lack of conflict.

have a good relationship

Focuses on the overall quality of the relationship, without necessarily implying a formal agreement.

get along well

Emphasizes the ease and comfort of the interaction between individuals.

maintain a friendly rapport

Suggests a more active effort to keep the relationship positive and cordial.

enjoy cordial relations

Highlights politeness and courtesy in the interactions.

see eye to eye

Implies agreement and shared understanding in the relationship.

have a harmonious association

Suggests a relationship characterized by agreement and accord.

foster a positive dynamic

Highlights the active creation and nurturing of a good relationship.

cultivate a strong connection

Emphasizes effort and intention when trying to build a relationship.

share a mutual understanding

Highlights shared understanding instead of agreement or accord.

FAQs

How can I use "be on good terms" in a sentence?

You can use "be on good terms" to describe relationships where people have a friendly or cooperative dynamic. For example, "It's important to "be on good terms" with your neighbors to maintain a pleasant community."

What can I say instead of "be on good terms"?

You can use alternatives like "have a good relationship", "get along well", or "be on amicable terms" depending on the context.

Is it better to "be on good terms" or "be friends" with someone?

Whether it's better to ""be on good terms"" or "be friends" depends on the situation. "Be on good terms" implies a functional, respectful relationship, while "be friends" suggests a deeper emotional connection.

What does it mean when someone says they want to "be on good terms" after a conflict?

When someone says they want to ""be on good terms"" after a conflict, it usually means they want to maintain a respectful and civil relationship, even if they can't fully resolve their differences. It implies a desire to avoid ongoing hostility.