good-bye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good-bye" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a farewell expression when parting from someone. Example: "As we finished our conversation, I waved and said, 'Good-bye, see you next week!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Good-bye, George.

The New Yorker

Good-bye buddy.

The New York Times

Good-bye, David Bowie.

Independent

No good-bye parties.

The New York Times

Good-bye, Sally.

The New York Times - Books

Good-bye, dear friend.

The New York Times

Good-bye, old friend.

The New York Times

Prime Minister Thatcher: Good-bye.

Independent

Time for saying good-bye.

The New Yorker

It ends, "Good-bye, / Mrs.

The New Yorker

Anyway, good-bye 'til hell freezes over.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good-bye" when a polite and clear farewell is needed. It is suitable for most situations, from casual to semi-formal settings.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "good-bye" with similar-sounding phrases or misspell it. "Goodbye" (one word) is a common alternative, but other variations are incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good-bye" serves primarily as an interjection or noun indicating a farewell. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a standard expression used when parting from someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good-bye" is a grammatically sound and widely accepted farewell expression. As indicated by Ludwig, it serves as both an interjection and a noun, signaling departure. While the alternative spelling "goodbye" is also common, "good-bye" offers a slightly more formal tone. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, making it a versatile choice for various situations. When opting for alternatives, consider the desired level of formality and context to ensure the most appropriate farewell.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Goodbye

A very common alternative spelling of "good-bye".

Bye

A short, informal version of good-bye.

Farewell

A more formal and somewhat literary way of saying good-bye.

See you later

A casual way to say good-bye, implying a future meeting.

See you soon

Similar to "see you later", but suggests a meeting in the near future.

So long

An informal and slightly old-fashioned way to say good-bye.

Take care

A caring way to say good-bye, wishing someone well.

Adieu

A formal and somewhat dramatic way to say good-bye, often implying a longer separation.

Cheerio

A British English informal way of saying good-bye.

Have a good one

An informal way to wish someone a good day as you say good-bye.

FAQs

What's the difference between "good-bye" and "goodbye"?

"Good-bye" is the original form, while "goodbye" is a more modern and accepted spelling. Both are correct, but "goodbye" is more commonly used.

What are some formal alternatives to "good-bye"?

For more formal situations, consider using "farewell" or "adieu". These options convey a similar meaning with a touch more elegance.

When is it appropriate to use "good-bye"?

"Good-bye" is appropriate in nearly any situation where you are parting from someone. It is polite and universally understood.

What can I say instead of "good-bye" in a casual setting?

In casual settings, you can use alternatives like "bye", "see you later", or "take care".