good lady

USAGE SUMMARY

"good lady" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is a formal and respectful way to address a woman, often used in formal settings or in addressing royalty or high-ranking women. Example: "Good lady, may I have the pleasure of introducing myself? My name is John Smith." This phrase could be used when introducing oneself to a woman in a formal setting, such as a business meeting or a social event.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"She was a good lady.

The New York Times

"She was a good lady," she said.

The New York Times

Mmm, your turkey looks good, lady".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She was a very good lady".

The New York Times

Will she make a good lady of Winterfell?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is called Mary Ann's, though the good lady herself has moved away.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Here, my good sirs and good ladies, some Shakespeare specialists give you their goodly advice.

The Guardian

Whatever you call them, they are damn good ladies, and they are your friends.

HuffPost

Cundo pays $30,000 for a super-good lady lawyer to spring his friend, who gets out first.

The New York Times - Books

A dear lady and good friend.

The New York Times

And Five Good Ones: Lady Gaga conquers the world.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid sounding old-fashioned, consider using more modern alternatives like "kind woman" or "respectable woman" in contemporary settings.

Common error

Avoid using "good lady" in informal, contemporary conversations, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for more casual and relevant terms depending on the message you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good lady" primarily functions as a noun phrase used to refer to a woman with respect or admiration. Ludwig examples show its use in both direct address and descriptive contexts, as well as Ludwig AI stating it is a "formal and respectful way to address a woman".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “good lady” is a grammatically correct phrase functioning as a noun phrase to respectfully address or refer to a woman. While recognized, its usage leans towards formal, historical, or traditional contexts rather than contemporary everyday speech. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its prevalence in news, media, and academic sources. Ludwig AI affirms its appropriateness for formal settings or addressing high-ranking women, cautioning against overuse in modern contexts where more casual alternatives might be suitable. Consider the setting and audience to ensure the phrase's intended impact is achieved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind woman

Replaces "good" with a synonym emphasizing her benevolent nature.

gracious woman

Focuses on her courteous and refined behavior.

decent woman

Implies she is respectable and morally upright.

virtuous woman

Emphasizes moral excellence and righteousness.

respectable woman

Highlights her social standing and propriety.

upstanding woman

Emphasizes her adherence to moral and ethical principles.

honorable woman

Stresses her integrity and ethical conduct.

noble woman

Highlights her high social standing and moral character.

estimable woman

Highlights the quality of deserving respect and admiration.

worthy woman

Suggests she possesses commendable qualities and merits.

FAQs

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

You can use "good lady" to address or refer to a woman respectfully, especially in formal or historical contexts. For instance, "Good lady, welcome to the event", or "She was known as a good lady in the community".

What phrases are similar to "good lady"?

Alternatives include "kind woman", "virtuous woman", or "respectable woman", each conveying a slightly different nuance of respect and admiration.

When is it appropriate to use the term "good lady"?

The term is most fitting in formal settings, historical narratives, or when aiming for a traditional, respectful tone. It may also be appropriate when addressing someone of high social standing.

Is "good lady" outdated?

While not commonly used in modern everyday speech, "good lady" is still understood and can be appropriate in specific contexts. However, it's essential to consider your audience and the setting to avoid sounding out of touch. Using alternatives might be more suitable in contemporary settings.