good pupil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good pupil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a student who is diligent, attentive, and performs well in their studies. Example: "She is a good pupil, always eager to learn and participate in class discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

When he dropped out to study at Rada, Glen transformed into "an annoyingly good pupil.

The Guardian

"During three months of rehearsal she was like a very good pupil," Petzold recalls.

The Guardian - Film

Terron was a good pupil and his school saw a path to university ahead.

The Guardian - Business

DUBLIN — Ireland has been widely praised as the good pupil of the euro zone's austerity school of thought.

The New York Times

He studied architecture at the Ecole des Beaux Arts, was a good pupil, and took several prizes.

The New Yorker

The former schoolteacher prefers to capitalise on his image as the good pupil of the euro-zone periphery to secure better terms for Ireland's bail-out.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

They're good pupils, these older people who have come to the cultural center to learn.

The New York Times

Beneath his face was a sentence in Arabic: "Good leader to good pupils".

The New York Times

Americans say that good pupils do well because they're smarter.

The New York Times

I always thought that our system is very selective; it's very efficient to have an elite of good pupils.

The New York Times

But they also noted: "Occasionally, where teaching is not good, pupils' engagement wanes resulting in low-level chatting.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a student's overall performance, use "good pupil" to convey a positive assessment of their academic and behavioral attributes. Remember that the term suggests both diligence and attentiveness in a learning environment.

Common error

Don't limit the meaning of "good pupil" to just academic performance. The phrase also encompasses behavior, attitude, and overall engagement in the learning process. A student can be a "good pupil" even if they don't have the highest grades, as long as they demonstrate effort and respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good pupil" functions primarily as a descriptive term, modifying the noun "pupil". It's an adjective-noun combination used to characterize a student favorably. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good pupil" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a student who exhibits positive attributes, including diligence, attentiveness, and respectful behavior. As Ludwig AI validates, this term effectively communicates a favorable assessment within various contexts. Its usage spans from news reports and academic discussions to more casual conversations. While "good pupil" and "good student" are often interchangeable, the former may subtly emphasize obedience, whereas the latter highlights academic achievement. Remember to use "good pupil" to encapsulate both the academic and behavioral aspects of a student's performance, and consider alternatives like "excellent student" or "diligent learner" to refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excellent student

Emphasizes academic achievement and overall performance.

diligent learner

Highlights the student's consistent effort and dedication to learning.

attentive student

Focuses on the student's ability to pay attention and engage in class.

promising scholar

Suggests future academic success and potential.

model student

Indicates exemplary behavior and academic standing.

bright student

Highlights intelligence and quick understanding.

conscientious student

Implies diligence, care, and thoroughness in studies.

able learner

Focuses on the student's capacity and potential for learning.

ideal student

Describes a student who embodies all the desirable qualities.

well-behaved student

Highlights good conduct and adherence to rules.

FAQs

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

You can say, "She is a "good pupil", always completing her assignments on time" or "The teacher praised him for being a "good pupil" and actively participating in class discussions".

What are some alternatives to saying "good pupil"?

Alternatives include "excellent student", "diligent learner", or "attentive student" depending on which aspect you want to emphasize. For instance, if you want to highlight academic achievement, "excellent student" is a suitable choice.

Is it better to say "good pupil" or "good student"?

"Good pupil" and "good student" are often interchangeable. However, "good pupil" might subtly suggest more emphasis on obedience and adherence to rules, while "good student" focuses more on academic performance. The choice depends on the context.

What qualities make someone a "good pupil"?

A "good pupil" typically possesses qualities like diligence, attentiveness, respect for teachers, active participation in class, and a genuine desire to learn. They may not always be the highest achievers academically but demonstrate consistent effort and a positive attitude.