good golly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good golly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an expression of surprise or astonishment. Example: "Good golly, I can't believe how quickly the project was completed!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

So we get the charming "gosh darn," "good golly," even "for goodness sakes".

Huffington Post

Good Golly Miss Molly?

The Guardian - Film

Good golly, gobsmackers, that was close!

The New York Times

Good golly, you knew Rummy wasn't going to pretend to stay contrite for long.

The New York Times

"Good golly, the fiendish Mysterio is on a rampage... in Forest Hills.

The New York Times

A shameful display, yes – fighting, remember is the last harbor of feeble minds – but good golly, what a night.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Good-golly Ms. Molly.

Vice

Well, golly.

The New York Times - Books

Well, golly gee.

The New Yorker

Well, golly, Ned.

The New York Times - Style

I thought, Well, golly, this is interesting.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good golly" sparingly in formal writing; it's best suited for informal contexts and conversations where a touch of old-fashioned charm is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "good golly" excessively, as it can sound repetitive or insincere. Vary your expressions of surprise to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

"Good golly" functions primarily as an interjection, expressing a sudden feeling of surprise, amazement, or mild shock. Ludwig indicates that this expression is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, mostly informal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "good golly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used interjection to express surprise or mild shock, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries an informal tone. While it's a valid expression, it is advisable to use it sparingly, especially in formal settings. Alternatives like "goodness gracious" or "oh my goodness" may be more suitable for professional or academic writing. Remember to vary your expressions to maintain an engaging and natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

goodness gracious

A more traditional and slightly more formal expression of surprise.

oh my goodness

A common and slightly milder alternative to "good golly".

gosh

A shortened, more casual version of "good golly" with a similar meaning.

gee whiz

An older expression conveying mild surprise or enthusiasm.

well, I never

Expresses surprise and disbelief, often in response to unexpected news.

I say

A British expression of surprise or mild indignation.

my stars

An older-fashioned exclamation of surprise or wonder.

holy cow

A more emphatic expression of surprise or shock.

good heavens

Similar to "goodness gracious", expressing surprise or concern.

wow

A simple and direct expression of astonishment or admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "good golly" in a sentence?

"Good golly" is typically used as an interjection to express surprise, mild shock, or amazement. For example, "Good golly, I didn't expect to see you here!"

What's a more formal alternative to "good golly"?

For a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "goodness gracious" or "oh my goodness" which convey a similar sentiment with slightly more sophistication.

Is "good golly" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "good golly" is generally best suited for informal writing or speech. In more formal contexts, consider using alternative expressions to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "good golly" and "golly"?

"Good golly" and "golly" are similar interjections, but "good golly" is slightly more emphatic. "Golly" can be used on its own to express mild surprise or wonder, while "good golly" adds a bit more emphasis to the sentiment.