good samaritanship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good samaritanship" is not correct in standard English; the correct term is "good Samaritan." You can use it when referring to someone who selflessly helps others in need, often in emergency situations.
Example: "The good Samaritan stopped to help the injured cyclist until the ambulance arrived."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

An essay asking whether it makes sense to enforce good Samaritanship is included in the dictionary's three volumes, all devoted to explaining how the dismal science can improve the workings of the law.Early economists such as Adam Smith often wrote about the economic impact of legal matters.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Though cynics might convict the park of turning splendor into kitsch, Silver Springs embodies the commercial Westmorelandism by which most good things in the state are spared the bulldozer's plow, a Florida-style Samaritanship that might be summed up as: "We had to build a fence around it, construct several gift shops on it and set it to a fake-calypso soundtrack in order to save it".

The New York Times - Travel

"Good, good, good, good".

The New York Times

Good good good good good".

The New York Times - Magazine

Good, good.

The New York Times

"Good, good, good".

The New York Times - Magazine

Good, good, good," he said.

The New Yorker

Good, good, good," Barry exclaimed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Good food is good.

The Economist

Good night, good night.

The New York Times

"Good, good," Burrell said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the term "good Samaritan" instead of "good samaritanship". It's the standard and widely accepted phrasing.

Common error

Avoid creating abstract nouns from already established concepts. Stick to the common and recognized term "good Samaritan" to ensure clarity and avoid sounding unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good samaritanship" functions as a noun phrase intended to describe the quality or state of being a "good Samaritan". As Ludwig AI suggests, the correct term is "good Samaritan."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "good samaritanship" is an infrequent and grammatically questionable phrase intended to convey the idea of being a "good Samaritan". As Ludwig AI notes, the standard and accepted term is "good Samaritan". While it appears primarily in news contexts, its uncommon usage and grammatical issues make it a less desirable choice. It's best to opt for alternatives like "altruism" or "selfless assistance" for clarity and grammatical correctness. The low expert rating reflects these issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good samaritan act

This alternative focuses on the action performed, replacing the abstract noun with a concrete one.

good samaritan law

This refers to laws protecting those who assist others, a specific application of the general concept.

act of kindness

This is a broader term encompassing any benevolent action, not specifically emergency aid.

altruistic behavior

This is a more formal term for selfless concern for others' well-being, lacking the legal connotations.

humanitarian efforts

This refers to organized aid, especially on a large scale, distinguishing it from individual acts.

selfless service

This highlights the dedication and sacrifice involved in helping others.

benevolent actions

This emphasizes the positive impact of helping others.

charitable deeds

This emphasizes the philanthropic aspect of helping those in need.

compassionate assistance

This highlights the empathy and support provided to someone in difficulty.

prosocial conduct

This is a psychological term for behavior intended to benefit others.

FAQs

Is "good samaritanship" grammatically correct?

No, "good samaritanship" is not considered standard English. The correct term is "good Samaritan,", which refers to someone who helps others in need.

What does "good Samaritan" mean?

A "good Samaritan" is a person who selflessly helps others, especially strangers, in distress. The term comes from a parable in the Bible.

What are some alternatives to "good samaritanship"?

Instead of "good samaritanship", you can use terms like "altruism", "benevolence", or "selfless assistance".

How does "good Samaritan" differ from a general act of kindness?

While all "good Samaritans" perform acts of kindness, the term "good Samaritan" often implies a situation involving immediate danger or need where the helper puts themselves out to assist, sometimes at personal risk.