for good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for good" is a grammatically correct and acceptable phrase in written English.
The phrase is commonly used to indicate that something is permanent or lasting. For example, "He has quit his job for good this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most have—for good reason.

The Economist

Back for good".

The New York Times

Looking for good news?

The New York Times

For good reason.

The New York Times

Well, for good reasons.

The New York Times

For Good.

The New York Times

She's up for good.

The New York Times - Sports

Probably for good reason.

The Economist

ahead for good.

The New York Times - Sports

Not for good, anyway.

The New Yorker

(for "good tune").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for good" to emphasize the lasting or permanent nature of a change or decision. For example, "She left the company for good after 10 years."

Common error

Avoid using "for good" when you mean temporarily or for a limited time. "For good" indicates something is intended to be permanent, not just for the immediate future.

How to use

Learn how to use "for good" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for good" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the permanence or finality of an action or state. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies that something is intended to last indefinitely.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for good" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to denote permanence or finality. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Appearing most frequently in News & Media contexts, it also sees usage in Wiki and Formal & Business settings, maintaining a neutral register. To ensure clarity, use "for good" when you want to emphasize the lasting nature of an action or decision and avoid it when describing temporary situations. Alternatives such as "permanently" or "forever" can be used depending on the desired tone. Remember, that it's often used to emphasize that a change, decision, or action is not temporary but is meant to be permanent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permanently

Single word adverb conveying the same meaning of lasting forever.

forever

Simple, direct synonym emphasizing the unending nature of something.

for keeps

More informal and colloquial alternative, suggesting something is retained indefinitely.

once and for all

Emphasizes the decisiveness and finality of a decision or action.

in perpetuity

More formal and legalistic term for something that lasts indefinitely.

for all time

Emphasizes that something will continue without end.

from now on

Indicates a permanent change starting at the present moment.

definitively

Stresses the conclusive and irreversible nature of an action or state.

irrevocably

Highlights the impossibility of reversing or undoing something.

until the end of time

Emphasizes lasting for a very long time or eternity.

FAQs

What does "for good" mean?

The phrase "for good" means permanently or forever. It indicates that something is intended to last indefinitely without change or reversal.

How can I use "for good" in a sentence?

You can use "for good" to describe actions or decisions that are meant to be final. For example, "He decided to quit smoking "permanently"" or "The store closed its doors "forever"."

Is there a difference between "for good" and "permanently"?

While "for good" and "permanently" have similar meanings, "for good" often carries a slightly more informal tone. Both indicate something lasting, but "for good" can sometimes imply a more decisive or emotional finality.

What are some alternatives to saying "for good"?

Some alternatives to "for good" include "forever", "permanently", "for keeps", and "once and for all". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.