good mate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good mate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a friendly term of endearment or camaraderie, often in informal contexts, particularly in British or Australian English. Example: "Thanks for helping me out with my project, you're a good mate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All good, mate".

The New Yorker

He's a good mate.

The Guardian

That was good, mate!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Yeah, of course he's a good mate".

The Guardian - Film

But he was a very good mate.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But he is a good mate?

The Guardian - Film

Brooks wrote, " 'Not feeling too good mate,' [a friend] observes every year.

The New Yorker

He is actually quite a good mate of mine, to be honest.

The Guardian - Sport

So he's umming and ahhing at the minute, but it's looking good mate".

Independent

He's a good mate, one of those blokes you can count on.

Independent

There's a difference between a good mate and a good housemate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good mate" in informal settings when addressing or referring to a friend, especially in British and Australian contexts. It conveys warmth and camaraderie.

Common error

Avoid using "good mate" in formal or professional communication. Opt for more neutral terms like "colleague" or "friend" in these settings to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good mate" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor for a person. It's a term of endearment, indicating a close and amicable relationship, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "good mate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey friendship, mainly in British and Australian English. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to denote a close and amicable relationship, typically in informal settings. While "good mate" thrives in casual contexts, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives, such as "colleague" or "good friend", in professional environments. Remember to embrace its warmth in the right setting to effectively communicate camaraderie.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close friend

Focuses on the depth and intimacy of the friendship.

good companion

Emphasizes shared experiences and mutual enjoyment.

trusted ally

Highlights reliability and support in challenging situations.

loyal buddy

Underscores faithfulness and unwavering support.

reliable pal

Stresses dependability and trustworthiness.

true confidant

Implies a relationship built on trust and shared secrets.

bosom buddy

Indicates a particularly close and intimate friendship.

old chum

Refers to a long-standing and familiar friendship.

worthy comrade

Focuses on shared goals and mutual respect in a collaborative setting.

esteemed colleague

Highlights professional respect and cordial relationship in a work environment.

FAQs

What does "good mate" mean?

The phrase "good mate" is a term of endearment, primarily used in British and Australian English, to describe a good friend or companion.

Is it appropriate to use "good mate" in formal settings?

No, "good mate" is generally considered informal. In formal settings, it's better to use terms like "colleague" or "good friend".

What are some alternatives to saying "good mate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "close friend", "loyal buddy", or "trusted ally".

Where is the phrase "good mate" commonly used?

The phrase "good mate" is most commonly used in British and Australian English-speaking countries.