for your good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'for your good' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is being done to benefit the person you are speaking to. For example: "We must leave now, for your good."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I salute you for your good work.

The New York Times

"I'm fasting for your good health".

The New York Times

DANA GOODYEAR: Thank you all for your good questions and comments.

The New Yorker

But nothing can stop me and love really lifted me up! Thanks for your good wishes!

Independent

Please I'm really waiting for your good mail response as I count on you for help.

The New York Times

"Don't expect or look for appreciation to be expressed or for your good work to be acknowledged.

The New York Times

But if you aren't, you must be honest, for your good and the good of the team".

The New York Times - Sports

We ask God for your good health, for your life and for the moment when we'll see you again".

The New York Times

I thank you for your good wishes, but I must decline the honour of being said to have worked for the Women's Rights Movement.

The Guardian

We get 20 or 30 guys, and it might be interesting for your good self to catch us while we're still alive.

The New York Times

You may be punished for your good efforts, as I was when my chocolate ginger snaps were passed over by a 5-year-old for the box of cookies from Ralph's, the Food Emporium of the West Coast.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for your good", ensure your tone is supportive and empathetic to avoid sounding patronizing or authoritarian. Context and delivery are key to conveying genuine concern.

Common error

Avoid using "for your good" to justify actions that primarily serve your own interests or exert undue control over others. This can undermine trust and create resentment. Be transparent about your motives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for your good" functions as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a verb or clause, providing the reason or purpose behind an action or decision. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for your good" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to justify actions or decisions intended to benefit someone, as affirmed by Ludwig. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it with empathy to avoid sounding condescending. Ludwig AI's analysis shows its common usage in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. Related phrases include "for your benefit" and "in your best interest", offering alternative ways to convey a similar intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for your benefit

Emphasizes the advantage or profit gained by the recipient.

for your welfare

Focuses on the recipient's overall well-being and happiness.

in your best interest

Highlights the advantageous nature of an action or decision.

for your sake

Implies a sacrifice or action taken out of concern for the recipient.

to help you

A more direct expression of assistance or support.

for your advantage

Highlights the potential gain or benefit.

with your well-being in mind

Emphasizes the consideration given to the recipient's health and happiness.

in the interest of your health

Specifically relates the action to the recipient's physical or mental health.

to ensure your prosperity

Focuses on future success and flourishing.

with your future in mind

Suggests long-term planning and consideration for the recipient's future.

FAQs

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

The phrase "for your good" is typically used to explain the reasoning behind a decision or action that may not be immediately understood or appreciated. Example: "I'm telling you to save your money, "for your good"."

What are some alternatives to saying "for your good"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "for your benefit", "in your best interest", or "for your sake" as alternatives to "for your good".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "for your good"?

While grammatically correct, using "for your good" can sometimes sound condescending or patronizing if not delivered with empathy and understanding. Consider your audience and the specific situation before using this phrase.

What's the difference between "for your good" and "for your benefit"?

While both phrases imply a positive outcome, "for your good" often suggests a long-term or less obvious advantage, whereas "for your benefit" usually indicates a more direct and immediate advantage.