for the common good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'for the common good' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize the idea that everyone's benefit should be thought of first and foremost. For example: "We must work together for the common good of all citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slogan: "Standing for the common good".

The Guardian

They all cooperate for the common good.

Cornell University

That's working for the common good.

The Guardian

In fact, it's intervention for the common good.

The Guardian

Pursuing our obsessions instead of fighting for the common good.

The Guardian

For the common good, I hope you answer them well".

The New Yorker

These developments have been for "the common good".

The New Yorker

Trumpian rhetoric can't just be retooled for the common good.

The Washington Post

How can we nurture cooperation for the common good?

Nature

Americans want their lawmakers to work for the common good.

The New York Times

Why should one sacrifice personal benefits for the common good?

Physics Letters A

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the common good" to justify decisions that might involve short-term sacrifices for long-term benefits. Make sure to acknowledge the immediate costs.

Common error

Avoid using "for the common good" as a blanket justification without explaining the concrete benefits. Provide specific details about how the action serves the collective interest to prevent skepticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the common good" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express the purpose or reason behind an action. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes that everyone's benefit should be thought of first and foremost.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for the common good" is a versatile and commonly used expression that justifies actions based on their benefits to a community or society. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English to convey the prioritization of collective well-being. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "for the benefit of all" or "for the greater good" exist, "for the common good" carries a specific emphasis on shared responsibility and communal welfare. When employing this phrase, it's important to provide clear and specific reasons for how the action benefits the community, avoiding overuse as a vague justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the benefit of all

This alternative highlights the positive outcome and inclusivity, directly stating that the action is advantageous to everyone.

for the greater good

This emphasizes a larger, potentially more significant benefit that might justify individual sacrifices.

in the public interest

This phrase centers on serving the needs and welfare of the general populace, often used in legal or political contexts.

for the welfare of society

This alternative directly focuses on the well-being and overall health of the community.

for the sake of community

This emphasizes the importance of communal bonds and shared responsibility.

in the interest of society

Similar to "in the public interest", it focuses on societal benefits but might imply a broader scope.

for the collective benefit

This phrase highlights the shared advantages derived from a particular action or decision.

for the communal welfare

A more formal way of expressing concern for the well-being of the community.

to serve the community

Focuses on the action of actively contributing to the betterment of the community.

to promote social well-being

This emphasizes the active improvement of societal health and happiness.

FAQs

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

You can use "for the common good" to explain why a particular action or policy is beneficial to society as a whole. For example, "We must invest in education "for the common good"".

What are some alternatives to "for the common good"?

Alternatives include "for the benefit of all", "for the greater good", or "in the public interest". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to act "for the common good"?

To act "for the common good" means to prioritize the well-being and benefit of the entire community or society over individual self-interest.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "for the common good"?

It's appropriate to use the phrase when discussing policies, actions, or decisions that aim to improve the lives of many people, even if some individuals might experience temporary disadvantages.