good graces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good graces" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe someone's favor or goodwill towards someone else. It can also refer to being in someone's good favor or esteem. Example: Despite his past mistakes, she was still in his good graces and he trusted her to make important decisions for the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

On Good Friday, an arbitrator restored Josh Hamilton to baseball's good graces.

Los Angeles Times

They wanted back into Delaware's good graces.

The New Yorker

"Those good graces won't be there forever".

The New York Times

There are ways to get back into investors' good graces.

The New York Times

Despite all the stresses, Abbeville has maintained its good graces.

The New York Times

Maybe I'll move back into their good graces".

The New York Times - Sports

It's hard to imagine how he'll claw his way back into her good graces, and maybe she has no good graces left.

The New Yorker

Braun said he was prepared to work his way back into its good graces.

The New York Times - Sports

Those who remain in Mr. Chávez's good graces provide a glimpse into the president's priorities.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He took it with good grace.

The New York Times

He forgave us with typical good grace.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good graces" to indicate a state of favor or approval, especially when someone has regained or maintained a positive relationship after a lapse. For example: "He worked hard to get back into his boss's good graces after the mistake."

Common error

Avoid using "good graces" when simply describing someone's inherent qualities or deserving nature. "Good graces" implies a specific relationship or context where favor is granted or earned, rather than a general assessment of worth. It is best to use in the correct context, such as: "He was saved by her "good graces"."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good graces" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as an object of a preposition (e.g., in good graces) or as a subject complement, indicating a state of favor or approval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good graces" is a noun phrase widely used to indicate a state of favor or approval. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its suitability for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately, implying a specific relationship of granted or earned favor rather than a general assessment of merit. To enhance your writing, consider related phrases like "in someone's favor" or "in someone's good books" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in someone's favor

Emphasizes being regarded with kindness and support, slightly more direct.

in high regard

Highlights the respect and esteem held by someone, focusing on admiration.

in someone's good books

An idiomatic expression for being appreciated, similar in tone but more informal.

in favor with

Formal expression indicating approval or support, highlights positive assessment.

held in esteem

Focuses on the respect and positive valuation someone receives, a bit more formal.

in acceptance with

Highlights the idea of being welcome and appreciated, focusing on social integration.

enjoying someone's approval

Highlights the act of receiving validation or agreement, focusing on explicit consent.

in compliance with

Highlights acting according to someone's order, focusing on obedience.

well-regarded by

Indicates a general positive opinion of someone, slightly less personal.

on good terms with

Focuses on a positive relationship, highlighting mutual understanding and respect.

FAQs

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

You can use "good graces" to describe being in someone's favor or working to regain their approval. For example, "After the misunderstanding, she tried to get back into her neighbor's "good graces"."

What's a less formal way to say "good graces"?

Alternatives to "good graces" include phrases like "in someone's favor" or "in someone's good books". These options convey a similar meaning but with a more relaxed tone.

Is it always positive to be in someone's "good graces"?

Yes, being in someone's "good graces" always implies a positive relationship or favorable standing. It suggests that the other person has a positive view of you or is willing to support you.

What's the difference between "good graces" and "good favor"?

"Good graces" generally implies a state of being in someone's positive regard, often after having earned it back. "Good favor" is similar but can also suggest being the beneficiary of someone's support or kindness without necessarily having earned it back. So you can say you are "in someone's favor".