doing a good turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing a good turn" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to performing a kind deed or helping someone out. Example: "She was always doing a good turn for her neighbors, whether it was bringing them meals or helping with their errands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I like doing a good turn daily," he said.

The New York Times

Innocent fun and earnest commitment to doing a good turn, of course, were not the whole story.

Cornell University

No pumpkin pie in a cold unyielding crust brought by a relative thinking she was doing a good turn.

The New York Times - Food

If a company suffers subpar profits, doing a good turn for an analyst cuts the likelihood of a downgrade by half.

The Economist

You'll feel great about doing a good turn, and it shows that you're not intimidated by the accomplishments of other people.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The league offers them opportunities to stay in touch, as well as do a good turn.

The New York Times

"We've done a good turn by the people of York".

The Guardian

Heritage lines, such as the Bluebell and the Severn Valley Railway, do a good turn in catering too.

Independent

He will do a good turn for three people, each of whom will in turn do good to three more, and so on.

The New York Times

Many firms would take a sympathetic approach, see this as an opportunity to do a good turn and even get some positive local publicity out of it.

Independent

I would like my epitaph to read: "If I can't do a good turn for anybody, I would not do them a bad turn".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing a good turn" to emphasize a deliberate act of kindness or helpfulness, especially when the action is not necessarily expected or required.

Common error

While "doing a good turn" is widely understood, it can sound somewhat informal or old-fashioned in certain professional settings. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "providing assistance" or "offering support" in formal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing a good turn" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to describe an action. It commonly expresses the act of performing a favor or showing kindness, as illustrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing a good turn" is a common phrase that describes performing an act of kindness or providing help to someone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and indicates its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the level of formality required by the specific context. In formal settings, more neutral alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase conveys a positive intention, emphasizing the beneficial impact of the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performing a kindness

Emphasizes the act of being kind or benevolent.

lending a helping hand

Focuses on providing assistance or support.

doing a favor

A more general term for doing something helpful for someone.

showing compassion

Highlights the empathetic aspect of helping others.

acting benevolently

Implies a general disposition of goodwill and kindness.

offering assistance

Highlights the act of providing help when needed.

being charitable

Often involves giving to those in need, especially financially.

aiding someone in need

Specifically addresses helping someone who is in a difficult situation.

extending a courtesy

Suggests a polite or respectful act of helpfulness.

supporting someone

Focuses on providing encouragement or resources to help someone.

FAQs

What does "doing a good turn" mean?

The phrase "doing a good turn" means performing an act of kindness or helpfulness for someone else. It often implies going out of one's way to assist another person.

How can I use "doing a good turn" in a sentence?

You can use "doing a good turn" to describe an action where someone helps another person. For example, "She was always "doing a good turn" for her neighbors, whether it was bringing them meals or helping with their errands."

What can I say instead of "doing a good turn"?

You can use alternatives like "performing a kindness", "lending a helping hand", or "doing a favor" depending on the context.

Is "doing a good turn" formal or informal?

The phrase "doing a good turn" leans towards the informal side. While generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "providing assistance" or "offering support" in professional or academic settings.