goes well with

USAGE SUMMARY

"goes well with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe things that match well or complement each other, such as food and drinks, colors, pieces of furniture, etc. For example: "This pale yellow dress goes well with a pair of gray heels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It goes well with sake.

Independent

So, really, he goes well with anything.

The New Yorker

It goes well with everything.

The New York Times

It goes well with rice.

The New York Times - Food

Even chocolate goes well with figs.

The Washington Post

Pinot noir (which goes well with turkey).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It goes well with my turban.

The New Yorker

And what goes well with bread?

The New York Times

This goes well with fresh pappardelle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That goes well with any culture".

The New York Times

"Runs on steam, goes well with outdated railcars".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing pairings, be specific about why something "goes well with" something else. For example, instead of just saying "This wine goes well with cheese", specify: "This crisp white wine goes well with creamy cheeses because its acidity cuts through the richness."

Common error

Avoid using "goes well with" as a filler phrase. Always provide specific details about the qualities that make the combination successful. Don't just state that A goes well with B; explain why they complement each other.

Linguistic Context

Goes well with functions as a linking phrase, indicating compatibility or suitability between two or more elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it connects various subjects, ranging from food pairings to aesthetic combinations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "goes well with" is a versatile and common phrase used to express compatibility or suitability between different elements. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki. While it is suitable for general and informal usage, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "complements" or "pairs nicely with". Remember to provide context when using this phrase to ensure clarity and avoid overuse. Ludwig’s examples showcase the phrase's broad applicability, from food pairings to aesthetic combinations, emphasizing its role in conveying harmonious relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complements

Expresses a similar idea of enhancing or completing something else, but it's a single word, and implies a more balanced or harmonious relationship.

pairs nicely with

Specifically suggests a pleasing combination, often used in the context of food and beverages.

matches well with

Indicates a strong similarity or correspondence, suitable for describing aesthetic compatibility.

is a good fit for

Suggests suitability and appropriateness, applicable to a wider range of contexts beyond just combinations.

harmonizes with

Implies a pleasant and balanced combination, often used in music or design contexts.

is suited to

Highlights the appropriateness of something for a particular purpose or situation.

blends seamlessly with

Emphasizes the smooth and integrated nature of the combination.

works in tandem with

Suggests that two things function effectively together, often implying a collaborative relationship.

is an ideal accompaniment to

Indicates that something enhances the experience of something else. This works well in food/music context.

aligns with

Suggests agreement or correspondence, suitable for describing things that are consistent with each other.

FAQs

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

You can use "goes well with" to describe complementary pairings, such as "This sauce "goes well with" pasta", or "The blue shirt "goes well with" black pants".

What is a more formal way to say "goes well with"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "complements", as in "This wine "complements" the dish perfectly", or "is ideally suited to".

Which is correct, "goes well with" or "goes good with"?

"Goes well with" is the correct and grammatically sound phrase. "Goes good with" is considered informal and is not generally used in formal writing.

What are some things that typically "go well with" coffee?

Many desserts "go well with" coffee, such as chocolate, pastries, or biscotti. Also, certain flavors like vanilla and caramel are known to "go well with" coffee.