for the greater good of

USAGE SUMMARY

"for the greater good of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision or action that is made for the benefit of a larger group or society, rather than for personal gain. Example: The government's controversial decision to raise taxes was done for the greater good of the country, even though it may not have been popular among the citizens.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He sees it as for the greater good of society.

The New York Times

"And always for the greater good of the song".

The Guardian - Music

He dreams for the greater good of the world.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Bishop followed Father Gau's suggestions for "the greater good of the diocese".

The New Yorker

We are in a struggle here for the greater good of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

His life was distinguished by a profound concern for the greater good of all humanity.

The New York Times

But we know our individual roles for the greater good of the team".

The Guardian - Sport

No one is looking out for the greater good of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Mayor Kobayashi's propaganda poster — "For the Greater Good of Megasaki City" — was a playful riff on "For the Greater Good of Children," a principle upheld in Japanese courts to protect kids against negligent parents.

The New Yorker

Simms and Gumbel understand when coaches won't hand over their secrets for the greater good of CBS.

The New York Times - Sports

Is it ethical to tell a few white lies for the greater good of contributing to the blood supply?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the greater good of" when you want to justify an action that may have negative consequences for some individuals, but benefits the majority or a larger entity. Make sure the context clearly demonstrates the intended benefit.

Common error

Avoid using "for the greater good of" as a blanket justification for actions without clearly defining the specific benefits and who receives them. Be specific about the positive outcomes and avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the greater good of" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, providing a reason or justification for an action. Ludwig's examples show it used to explain motivations behind decisions impacting society, teams, or organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the greater good of" is a prepositional phrase used to justify actions that benefit a larger group, even if some individuals are negatively affected. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is a common phrase, appearing frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts. While grammatically sound, it's essential to use it with clear and specific explanations of the benefits to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "for the benefit of all" or "in the interest of the public" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase serves to rationalize decisions and persuade others of their value, emphasizing the importance of communal welfare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the collective good

Similar to the original but emphasizes the communal aspect.

for the benefit of all

Emphasizes the positive outcome for everyone involved, focusing on advantage rather than sacrifice.

in the interest of the public

Highlights actions taken to serve the community or general populace.

for the sake of the community

Emphasizes the value placed on the community and its needs.

for the common welfare

Focuses on the overall well-being and prosperity of a group or society.

to serve the greater community

Highlights the act of service towards a larger social group.

to advance the public interest

Focuses on promoting and furthering what benefits the general population.

in the service of humanity

Elevates the scope to encompass all of humankind, often used in grander contexts.

with the intention of improving society

Highlights the purposeful intent behind actions aimed at societal betterment.

in the name of progress

Implies that actions are taken to move society forward, even if controversial.

FAQs

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

Use "for the greater good of" to justify actions that benefit many, even if some suffer. For example, "The new policy, though unpopular, was implemented "for the greater good of" the environment".

What are some alternatives to saying "for the greater good of"?

You can use alternatives like "for the benefit of all", "in the interest of the public", or "for the collective good" depending on the specific context.

Is it always ethical to act "for the greater good of"?

While acting "for the greater good of" aims to benefit many, it can raise ethical concerns if it disproportionately harms a minority. Balancing benefits and harms is key to ethical decision-making.

What is the difference between "for the greater good of" and "utilitarianism"?

"For the greater good of" is a general phrase indicating actions that benefit the majority, while utilitarianism is a specific ethical theory advocating actions that maximize overall happiness and well-being. Utilitarianism provides a structured framework for decision-making.