for good measure

USAGE SUMMARY

"for good measure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean that something extra has been added to something else to ensure that the desired result is obtained. For example, "She sprinkled some extra salt and pepper on the meat for good measure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Then added for good measure, "Happy".

The New York Times - Books

Then she retweeted herself for good measure.

Independent

Generally nerds for good measure.

The Guardian - Film

Hawkeye confirms it for good measure.

The Guardian - Sport

Then added, for good measure, "Happy".

The New Yorker

Ellaria spits again, for good measure.

The New Yorker

And, for good measure, "a drunk".

The New York Times

For good measure, I'm adding nutmeg too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Flintoff agrees and lifts him over midwicket for good measure.

The Guardian - Sport

"Thoroughly captivating," Mr. Levin added, for good measure.

The New York Times

Then they prick them once more for good measure.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for good measure" to indicate that you're adding something extra to ensure a desired result or to emphasize a point. It's best suited for situations where you want to be thorough or leave no room for doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "for good measure" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal or conversational. Consider using more precise language to convey the same meaning in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for good measure" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating that something is added or done as an extra precaution or bonus. This is consistent with the Ludwig examples, where it often supplements a previous action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for good measure" is a common adverbial phrase used to indicate something extra is added to ensure a positive outcome. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its function is to emphasize thoroughness, and its register is generally neutral. While prevalent in news and media, it's important to avoid overuse in excessively formal contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives if the setting demands it. The phrase demonstrates that actions are often performed as a means to reassure or underscore the completeness of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over and above

Emphasizes doing more than what is strictly required.

as an extra precaution

Emphasizes the additional action is taken to ensure safety or success.

for added insurance

Implies the extra step is a safeguard against failure.

to be on the safe side

Highlights the desire to avoid any potential negative consequences.

as a bonus

Suggests the extra element is a pleasant addition, not strictly necessary.

to add weight

Indicates the additional element strengthens or reinforces something.

to ensure success

Focuses on guaranteeing a positive outcome through the added element.

as a finishing touch

Highlights the additional action is the last one taken, to finalize the result.

on top of that

Indicates the extra element is added to something already substantial.

as a supplement

Suggests something is added to complete or enhance something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "for good measure" to indicate something is added as an extra precaution or bonus. For example, "He added a layer of insulation and, "for good measure", sealed all the edges with tape."

What's a synonym for "for good measure"?

Alternatives to "for good measure" include "as an extra precaution", "to be on the safe side", or "as a bonus".

Is "for good measure" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "for good measure" leans towards the informal side. It's perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation and many writing contexts, but might be too casual for highly formal or academic settings.

What does "for good measure" actually mean?

"For good measure" means adding something extra to ensure a satisfactory result. It implies a desire to be thorough or to leave no doubt. It's like adding a little bit more to make sure you've got it right.