go well with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'go well with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two things are compatible or match together nicely. For example: "This blue dress really goes well with my brown shoes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All go well with summer.

The New York Times

Indeed, pears go well with other cheeses.

The New York Times - Food

(They go well with fried plantains).

The New York Times

It would go well with fowl.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Would go well with a strong cheddar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They go well with a nice Sancerre".

The New Yorker

"Mushrooms go well with syrah," Dennis says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cooked cucumbers go well with protein or grain dishes.

The New York Times

Beets and their greens go well with a garlicky sauce.

The New York Times

It would go well with a rib-eye steak.

The New York Times

They go well with the look of downtown.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing pairings, consider the specific qualities that make them compatible. Be precise, for instance: "This wine's acidity goes well with the richness of the cheese."

Common error

Avoid using "go well with" indiscriminately. Ensure the pairing is logical and the items genuinely enhance each other. Saying "Incontinence doesn't go well with the job" is correct, but saying "Purple does NOT go well with green tissue paper" depends entirely on the design concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go well with" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject with a description of compatibility or suitability. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across a wide array of contexts, from food pairings to aesthetic matches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go well with" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to express compatibility or suitability between different items or ideas. As validated by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, including news, lifestyle, and instructional content. When using the phrase, ensure that the pairing is logical and that items genuinely complement each other. Consider alternatives like "pair nicely with" or "complement effectively" depending on the context, and be mindful of subject-verb agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pair nicely with

Focuses on the complementary aspect of pairing items, often used in food and beverage contexts.

complement effectively

Emphasizes the enhancement one item provides to another, suggesting a strong positive interaction.

harmonize beautifully with

Suggests an aesthetic or sensory agreement between items, often used for visual or musical pairings.

match suitably with

Indicates that items are a good fit for each other, focusing on appropriateness and alignment.

coordinate well with

Highlights how items work together in a structured or organized way, often in design or planning contexts.

blend seamlessly with

Implies that items merge smoothly and without contrast, creating a unified effect.

sit well with

Suggests a sense of agreement or acceptance, often in contexts involving food or ideas.

align favorably with

Emphasizes a positive alignment or agreement between items, often in strategic or abstract contexts.

accord well with

Suggests a harmonious relationship or agreement, often in more formal or abstract contexts.

be a good fit for

Focuses on the suitability of one item for another, implying a natural or logical pairing.

FAQs

How can I use "go well with" in a sentence?

You can use "go well with" to describe items that are compatible or complementary. For example, "Red wine "pairs nicely with" steak" or "Jeans "are a good fit for" almost everything".

What are some alternatives to saying "go well with"?

Alternatives include "complement effectively", "harmonize beautifully with", or "match suitably with depending" on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "goes well with" instead of "go well with"?

Yes, "goes well with" is correct when the subject is singular. For example, "This shirt goes well with those pants", while "These shirts go well with those pants".

What's the difference between "go well with" and "pair with"?

"Go well with" is a more general term for compatibility. "Pair with" often implies a more deliberate or curated combination, especially in contexts like food and wine. You might say, "This cheese goes well with crackers," but "This cheese is best paired with a crisp white wine".