bidding adieu

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bidding adieu" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing farewell or saying goodbye in a somewhat formal or poetic manner. Example: "As the sun set on their last day together, they found themselves bidding adieu to the memories they had created."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

This morning, before bidding adieu to a train-bound customer, a cheerful barista said, "Goodbye!

The New Yorker

The general was so mad he left the house without bidding adieu to his host & hostess.

The New Yorker

Some 7,000 left for Israel in 2014 with 10,000 predicted in 2015, bidding adieu to a country that's struggling to protect them.

Independent

While the cameras will track every nuance of his grand farewell, do not forget that France are also bidding adieu to other heroes.

The Guardian - Sport

"He gathered together his belongings," said his French lawyer, Dominique Delthil, bidding adieu outside the Einhorn home, The Associated Press reported.

The New York Times

A Wembley showpiece on the occasion of the Liverpool captain's 35th birthday, bidding adieu to a glittering career with another piece of silverware; it seemed pre-ordained.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Two lovers bid adieu.

The New York Times

We bid adieu to our dear friend of many years.

The New York Times

Despite a string of poor performances recently, Tendulkar bid adieu to his home audience in style.

The New York Times

A cartoonish drawing of a crazed face by John Wesley bids adieu to Pop.

The New Yorker

Powell's Books, one of the world's largest independent bookstores, bids adieu to thirty-one employees.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bidding adieu" when you want to add a touch of formality or elegance to your writing, especially in descriptive or narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "bidding adieu" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "saying goodbye" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bidding adieu" functions as a verbal phrase, often used to describe the act of saying goodbye in a somewhat formal or literary context. Ludwig examples show its usage across various media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bidding adieu" is a verbal phrase used to express farewell in a formal and literary style. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its suitability for adding emphasis to a departure. While not as common as "saying goodbye", its use across news and media highlights its value in descriptive and narrative contexts. For less formal situations, consider simpler alternatives. Remember to use "bidding adieu" when you want to create a sense of ceremony or finality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

saying goodbye

This is the most direct and widely understood synonym for "bidding adieu".

saying farewell

This alternative is a more straightforward and common way to express the act of saying goodbye.

taking leave

This alternative emphasizes the act of departing or leaving someone or something.

taking one's leave

This is a slightly more formal way of saying "leaving" or "departing".

offering a valediction

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of offering a farewell speech or statement.

extending a farewell

This alternative emphasizes the act of offering or giving a farewell.

expressing parting wishes

This alternative focuses on the act of expressing good wishes or sentiments at the time of departure.

making a departure

This phrase focuses on the act of leaving, often implying a significant or formal departure.

taking a parting

This alternative highlights the act of separating or parting ways.

taking a leave-taking

This is a more elaborate and somewhat archaic way of describing the act of saying goodbye.

FAQs

How to use "bidding adieu" in a sentence?

You can use "bidding adieu" to describe the act of saying farewell, often in a formal or sentimental way. For example, "After many years of service, she was "bidding adieu" to her colleagues."

What can I say instead of "bidding adieu"?

You can use alternatives like "saying farewell", "taking leave", or "saying goodbye" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "bidding adieu"?

It is appropriate to use "bidding adieu" when aiming for a formal, literary, or somewhat old-fashioned tone. It suits situations where a simple "goodbye" feels insufficient.

Is "bidding adieu" commonly used in modern English?

"Bidding adieu" is not as common as simpler alternatives like "saying goodbye", but it remains recognizable and is used to add emphasis or formality to a farewell.