good faith

USAGE SUMMARY

"good faith" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a noun phrase that is often used to refer to a situation in which one party can trust the other's intentions and reasonably rely on promises or statements made by the other. For example, you could say, "We enter this contract in good faith, with the goal of creating a mutually beneficial business relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The defendant's good faith.

Harvard University

§ 570.141 Good faith defense.

Cornell University

Renegotiate in good faith.

Harvard Business Review

Good Faith Fair Use Defense.

Stanford University

As a show of good faith, Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I took the job in good faith.

Independent

"Previous decisions were taken in good faith.

Independent

"My biggest concern is good faith.

The New York Times

He acted "in good faith," he said.

The New York Times

Doesn't that prove their good faith?

The New Yorker

People do act in good faith.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In negotiations, demonstrate "good faith" by being transparent, responsive, and willing to compromise. Avoid tactics that could be perceived as deceptive or manipulative.

Common error

Don't assume that simply following the letter of an agreement equates to acting in "good faith". Courts often look beyond the literal interpretation to assess whether the spirit of the agreement was upheld and whether all parties acted honestly and fairly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good faith" primarily functions as a noun, often used as an adjective modifying another noun (e.g., "good faith effort", "good faith negotiations"). According to Ludwig AI, it signifies honesty and sincerity in intentions or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good faith" is a frequently used noun phrase that indicates honesty, sincerity, and genuine intention in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. The analysis reveals that it is prevalent in news, academic, and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity and strength in your writing, use "good faith" when you want to emphasize the integrity and honesty of actions or intentions, particularly in situations where trust and ethical conduct are paramount. Remember to differentiate it from related concepts like due diligence, and be prepared to substantiate claims of "good faith" with evidence of honest and reasonable conduct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bona fides

Replaces "good faith" with a Latin term that also means genuineness or sincerity.

honesty

Simplifies "good faith" to its core component: truthfulness and integrity.

sincerity

Focuses on the genuine nature of intentions and actions, similar to "good faith".

integrity

Highlights moral uprightness and adherence to ethical principles, akin to acting in "good faith".

uprightness

Emphasizes moral rectitude and honesty in conduct, paralleling the concept of "good faith".

genuineness

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of actions, reflecting the spirit of "good faith".

without deception

Focuses on the absence of deceit or trickery, which is a key aspect of "good faith".

with honest intentions

Replaces the noun phrase with a prepositional phrase emphasizing the honesty of the intentions.

in earnest

Indicates seriousness and sincerity of purpose, aligning with the principles of "good faith".

fair dealing

Focuses on equitable and honest conduct, particularly in business or legal contexts.

FAQs

How is "good faith" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "good faith" generally refers to honesty of intention and sincerity of conduct. It's often a required element in contracts, negotiations, and other legal obligations. Failing to act in good faith can result in legal penalties or the invalidation of agreements.

What are some examples of acting in "good faith"?

Examples include honestly disclosing relevant information during negotiations, making a sincere effort to fulfill contractual obligations, and acting without malice or intent to deceive. Conversely, withholding crucial information or deliberately sabotaging an agreement would be considered acting in "bad faith".

What's the difference between "good faith" and due diligence?

"Good faith" relates to honesty and sincerity of intent, while due diligence involves taking reasonable steps to investigate and verify information. You can perform due diligence in good faith, but simply conducting an investigation doesn't necessarily mean you're acting in "good faith".

How can I prove that I acted in "good faith"?

Documenting your actions, seeking legal advice, and demonstrating transparency can help prove that you acted in "good faith". Showing that you made a genuine effort to understand and fulfill your obligations, and that you acted reasonably and honestly, can strengthen your case.