bidding goodnight

USAGE SUMMARY

'bidding goodnight' is a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to express saying goodbye at the end of a conversation or correspondence. For example: It was a pleasure talking with you, I'm bidding goodnight and I hope to hear from you soon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A pyjama'd rabbit tries to delay lights-out by bidding goodnight to everything in his room.

The Guardian - Books

Bidding goodnight to Francine, John and I set off in the dark to find both quinzhee and tent.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Strangers bid goodnight to one another and walked down the hill.

The New York Times

But as she bids goodnight to the audience, she alternates between fluent Hindi and English.

The New York Times

Even in the more elegant, private lean-to's you sleep with people you might normally bid goodnight after dinner.

The New York Times - Arts

In that slim volume, exquisitely illustrated by Clement Hurd, the parental reader bids goodnight to all the objects in the rabbit's room.

The New Yorker

As I bid goodnight to my friend Jessica Diehl, the Vanity Fair style director, on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she wailed, "My feet are on fire".

The New York Times

American soldiers in Iraq beam themselves home over Web cams; parents on business trips (including President-elect Barack Obama) bid goodnight to their children, face-to-onscreen-face.

The New York Times

Time to bid goodnight to the box turtles, to the egrets, to the rufous-sided towhees warbling farewell from the trees.

The New York Times

Where Margaret Wise Brown's 1947 story ends with the peaceful wish, "Goodnight stars, Goodnight air, Goodnight noises everywhere", Milgrim's, published in the US by Penguin, instead bids goodnight to a host of modern technological appliances.

The Guardian - Books

As he was being bid goodnight by Kenan Thompson, who plays the host of the recurring "Saturday Night Live" sketch "What Up With That?", Mr. Jackson appeared to utter at least part of an obscene word, then spoke another as Mr. Thompson comically chided him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bidding goodnight" in narrative or descriptive contexts to add a touch of formality or old-fashioned charm. For example, "After a long evening, she was bidding goodnight to her guests."

Common error

Avoid using "bidding goodnight" in casual conversation; simpler alternatives like "saying goodnight" or just "goodnight" are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bidding goodnight" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, typically acting as part of a clause expressing the act of saying goodbye before sleep or at the end of an encounter. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and the examples showcase its use in descriptive narratives and reports.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bidding goodnight" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a farewell wish before sleep or at the end of an encounter. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "saying goodnight", it adds a touch of formality or literary flair. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the expression, and the reviewed examples show its appearance primarily in News & Media and Books contexts. Be mindful of the context, reserving "bidding goodnight" for situations where a slightly elevated or narrative tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

saying good night

A simpler variation, less formal than "bidding goodnight".

saying goodnight

Focuses on the act of saying goodnight, without emphasizing the farewell aspect.

wishing goodnight

Emphasizes the expression of a goodnight wish.

offering a goodnight

Highlights the act of extending a goodnight greeting.

bidding farewell

General term for saying goodbye, broader than specifically nighttime.

extending goodnight wishes

More elaborate and formal way of saying goodnight.

parting with a goodnight

Emphasizes the act of separating while expressing goodnight.

taking leave for the night

Focuses on the action of departing for the night.

goodnighting

A less common, verb-focused way of saying goodnight.

goodnight wishes

A noun phrase expressing goodnight.

FAQs

What does "bidding goodnight" mean?

Bidding goodnight means saying goodbye or wishing someone a good night, often before going to sleep. It's a slightly formal or literary way to express this sentiment.

How can I use "bidding goodnight" in a sentence?

You can use it like, "She was "bidding goodnight" to each of her stuffed animals before turning off the light" or "He finished his letter by "bidding goodnight" and sealing the envelope."

What are some alternatives to "bidding goodnight"?

You could say "saying goodnight", "wishing goodnight", or simply "goodnight" depending on the context.

Is "bidding goodnight" more formal than "saying goodnight"?

Yes, "bidding goodnight" tends to be more formal and can evoke a sense of tradition or narrative storytelling, whereas "saying goodnight" is more neutral and commonly used.