goodness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "goodness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise, relief, or as a mild exclamation in various contexts. Example: "Goodness, I didn't expect to see you here!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

2) Beautiful spot of old-school video-game goodness here as the good folk at 8bitFootball recreate Roberto Carlos' glorious free-kick for Brazil against France in 1997, on the Sensible Soccer game.

The Guardian - Sport

Though he was a political insider an MP at 23, for goodness sake Mr Kennedy's plain good humour always suggested he had a foot in that ruder soil, the real world, which matters most.

The Economist

And thank goodness somebody has turned up because it's not looking good up there – Mance was clearly telling the truth when he told Jon "we're here to hide behind your wall" while the Night Watch are severely depleted.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Thank goodness.

The New York Times - Arts

Thank goodness for the internet.

The New York Times

For goodness' sake, we can't even tell the difference between disappointed loathing and apathy - when any reasonable person knows there is no difference - they're one and the same thing and should both be ignored.

The Guardian

Contact sport is heroic, character forming and British, for goodness sake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Why did bishops, who were not monsters and who presumably believed themselves to be exemplars of goodness, choose to send child rapists out into parishes rather than bring the institution into disrepute?

The Guardian

On the upside, thank goodness it was noticed.

The Guardian - Sport

Thank goodness for the wholesome pleasures of Two Door Cinema Club's Changing of the Seasons at No 71.

The Guardian

I chose the name Savse because it means "crammed full" in Georgian, and the smoothies are crammed with goodness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "goodness" to refer to the inherent quality of being good, whether in a moral, nutritional, or general sense. For example, when discussing the "goodness" of a person, you're referring to their virtuous qualities; when talking about the "goodness" of food, you're emphasizing its nutritional value.

Common error

While "goodness" can sometimes refer to God, especially in exclamations like "Thank goodness!", avoid using it as a direct, constant substitute for "God" in formal writing or religious contexts, as this can dilute the intended reverence and specificity. In these cases, the word "God" should be preferred.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "goodness" is as a noun. It refers to the quality or state of being good. As Ludwig AI highlights, it can denote moral virtue, nutritional value, or be used as a mild exclamation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "goodness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state or quality of being good in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, lifestyle, and sports reporting. Its communicative purpose ranges from describing moral attributes and nutritional value to expressing relief or gratitude. While generally neutral in register, its usage in exclamations tends to be informal. Alternative phrases like "virtue", "benevolence", and "righteousness" offer nuanced ways to express related concepts. When using "goodness", consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtue

Focuses more on moral excellence and righteousness.

benevolence

Emphasizes kindness and a desire to do good to others.

righteousness

Highlights moral correctness and adherence to ethical principles.

uprightness

Suggests honesty and moral integrity.

integrity

Stresses the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

decency

Implies politeness, respectability, and moral suitability.

morality

Refers to principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong.

excellence

Points to the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.

merit

Highlights the quality of being particularly good or worthy.

worth

Emphasizes the value or benefit of something.

FAQs

How can I use "goodness" in a sentence?

You can use "goodness" to describe the quality of being good. For example, "The inherent "goodness" in people often surprises me", or to express relief, such as "Thank "goodness" that's over!"

What are some alternatives to saying "Thank goodness"?

Instead of saying "Thank "goodness"", you could say "Thank "God"", "Thank heavens", or "I'm so relieved" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "goodness" to refer to the nutritional content of food?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. For instance, you might say, "This smoothie is packed with "goodness"", to emphasize its nutritional value and health benefits.

What's the difference between "goodness" and "kindness"?

"Goodness" is a more general term referring to the state or quality of being good, while "kindness" specifically refers to the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. You can think of kindness as an expression of goodness.