good on paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good on paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that seems favorable or advantageous in theory but may not be as effective or successful in practice. Example: "The proposal looks good on paper, but we need to consider the potential challenges before moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This looks good on paper," said one senior official involved in the talks.

The New York Times

An attack that looked good on paper produced only one genuine goal-scoring chance in 90 minutes.

BBC

There is one place, alas, that sounds good on paper but should probably be avoided.

The New York Times - Travel

For one thing, not every student who looks good on paper (or e-mail) shines in person.

Science Magazine

"It was one of those deals that seemed kind of good on paper," she told me.

The New Yorker

It sounded good on paper.

The New York Times

It looks good on paper.

The Economist

He looked so good on paper, remember?

The New York Times

Sounds good on paper — or on Twitter.

The New York Times

"It sounds good on paper," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The show doesn't look good just on paper.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, consider adding context about why the idea might fail in practice. This provides a more nuanced understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something is guaranteed to succeed just because it looks "good on paper". Reality often introduces unforeseen challenges that theoretical plans don't account for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good on paper" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe something that appears promising or advantageous in theory or planning, but whose actual effectiveness or practicality is uncertain. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good on paper" is a common idiom used to describe something that seems promising in theory but may not work out in practice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media. When using "good on paper", remember that it implies cautious optimism or skepticism, suggesting further evaluation is needed. Alternatives include "sounds promising in theory" and "appears viable in principle". While the phrase is useful for expressing initial appeal with potential doubts, it's important to avoid overconfidence and consider potential real-world challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looks good in theory

Directly relates to the theoretical aspect but lacks the practical component.

sounds promising in theory

Focuses on the theoretical aspect of the idea, emphasizing its initial appeal.

appears viable in principle

Highlights that the concept seems workable when considered abstractly.

seems like a good idea in concept

Highlights that the underlying concept is appealing, even if execution is uncertain.

seems plausible at first glance

Implies an initial positive impression that may not hold up under scrutiny.

is well-conceived in the abstract

Stresses that the idea is well-formed when viewed without concrete details or practical considerations.

is theoretically sound

Emphasizes the logical consistency of the idea, suggesting a firm grounding in abstract principles.

presents well initially

Focuses on the presentation aspect, suggesting an attractive initial impression.

has theoretical merit

Indicates that the idea possesses value from a theoretical standpoint.

is conceptually appealing

Focuses on the attractive nature of the idea, hinting it might not translate well into reality.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "good on paper"?

When something is described as "good on paper", it means that it appears promising or effective in theory or in a written plan, but there's doubt about its practical application or real-world success. It suggests caution and the need for further evaluation.

How can I use "good on paper" in a sentence?

You can use "good on paper" to express skepticism or cautious optimism about a plan or idea. For example: "The merger looks "good on paper", but we need to consider the potential challenges of integrating two different corporate cultures."

What are some alternatives to saying something is "good on paper"?

Alternatives include phrases like "sounds promising in theory", "appears viable in principle", or "looks good in theory". These phrases convey a similar meaning of initial promise with potential doubts about real-world outcomes.

What's the difference between "good on paper" and "successful in practice"?

"Good on paper" suggests a plan or idea that seems promising in theory but may not work out as expected. "Successful in practice", on the other hand, indicates that something has been effectively implemented and has achieved positive results in the real world. The former implies potential, while the latter implies proven effectiveness.