good spirits

USAGE SUMMARY

"good spirits" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is in a cheerful mood or having a good day. For example: "After spending time with her family, she was in good spirits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

O'Sullivan was in good spirits.

The New Yorker

Landis was in good spirits.

The New Yorker

He seemed in good spirits.

The New York Times

"She was in good spirits.

The New York Times

I was in good spirits".

The New York Times

They returned in good spirits.

The New Yorker

She is in good spirits.

The Guardian

Hughes was in good spirits.

The New York Times - Sports

But he's in good spirits.

The Guardian

Charm and good spirits prevail.

The New York Times - Arts

Only good spirits haunted "Images".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good spirits" to describe someone's positive and cheerful mood, especially when they are facing challenges or difficult situations. It implies resilience and optimism.

Common error

Avoid using "good spirits" when a more intense expression of joy or excitement is appropriate. While it indicates a positive mood, it might not fully capture extreme happiness or elation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good spirits" functions as a noun phrase, describing a state of mind or emotional condition. It's commonly used to indicate that someone is in a positive and cheerful mood, as evidenced by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Science & Research

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good spirits" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe a positive and cheerful mood. Ludwig highlights its consistent use across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. When writing, consider the intensity of emotion you wish to convey, as "good spirits" implies a general sense of well-being rather than extreme happiness. Alternatives like "cheerful mood" or "high spirits" can offer more specific nuances. Remember that the phrase "well spirits" is not a valid alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

High spirits

Similar in meaning, emphasizing an elevated emotional state.

Cheerful mood

Focuses on the emotional state of being happy and positive.

Positive attitude

Highlights a mindset characterized by optimism and confidence.

Good cheer

Emphasizes a sense of joy and happiness, often used in festive contexts.

Upbeat demeanor

Refers to a positive and energetic manner or behavior.

Merry disposition

Suggests a joyful and lighthearted nature.

Optimistic outlook

Focuses on having a positive perspective on the future.

Buoyant mood

Describes a light and cheerful emotional state.

Ebullient spirit

Emphasizes an enthusiastic and lively emotional state.

Joyful state of mind

Highlights the mental aspect of being happy and content.

FAQs

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

You can use "good spirits" to describe someone's mood or attitude. For instance, "Despite the challenges, she remained in good spirits."

What are some alternatives to "good spirits"?

Alternatives include "cheerful mood", "high spirits", or "positive attitude", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "well spirits" instead of "good spirits"?

No, "well spirits" is not a standard English phrase. The correct expression is "good spirits", which describes a positive and cheerful mood.

What's the difference between "good spirits" and "high spirits"?

Both phrases indicate a positive mood, but "high spirits" often suggests a more exuberant or lively state than "good spirits".