goodnight

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "goodnight" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it as a way of saying a kind farewell or good wishes when parting from someone. For example: "Goodnight, I'll see you tomorrow!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The image was posted with the words: "Goodbye and goodnight".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Maybe that's where my love of vintage came from … me parading around and trying on her things from the dressing-up box; and her on her way to a fondue party, coming into my bedroom to say goodnight, a waft of Charlie and a swish of maxi dress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The best friend completed his musings on the identity of the assailant with the scissors, bade me goodnight, opened the door and departed, leaving me alone with the audience and a knowing smirk.

The Guardian

This is Canberra, saying goodnight Copenhagen 12 or so hours after the fact – and goodnight everywhere else.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was a lesson worth learning, so goodnight Dave, thank you, and may your God go with you.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Let's say goodnight.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Goodbye, Moto Less exuberant If you can't beat 'em, join 'em They're behind you The new face of private equity Correction: Jim Goodnight ReprintsLike parvenus everywhere, these emerging multinationals often buy their way into the top ranks.

The Economist

Goodbye, Moto Less exuberant If you can't beat 'em, join 'em They're behind you The new face of private equity Correction: Jim Goodnight Reprints Related items Motorola: Uh-oh, MotoFeb 1st 2007So Mr Zander's resignation did not come as a surprise.

The Economist

"They don't make enough disk space in the world to save all the data if every household had a smart meter," says Jim Goodnight, the boss of SAS, one of the pioneers of analytics software, programs that sift through data.

The Economist

Goodbye, Moto Less exuberant If you can't beat 'em, join 'em They're behind you The new face of private equity Correction: Jim Goodnight ReprintsSports teams and performers have traditionally missed out on resale profits.

The Economist

Goodbye, Moto Less exuberant If you can't beat 'em, join 'em They're behind you The new face of private equity Correction: Jim Goodnight Reprints Related items Luxury goods in China: If you've got it, don't flaunt itMay 31st 2007 Italian luxury goods: Tutto in famigliaApr 12th 2007And as luxury firms expand in Asia and the Americas, they will continue to suffer currency woes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "goodnight" to politely conclude conversations or interactions in the evening or before bedtime. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "goodnight" as a general 'goodbye' during the day. It's specifically reserved for evening or bedtime farewells. Use "goodbye" or "see you later" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goodnight" functions primarily as an interjection or farewell, used to express good wishes upon parting in the evening or before someone goes to sleep. Ludwig confirms this usage, highlighting its role in concluding interactions for the night.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "goodnight" is a common and correct farewell phrase used in the evening or before going to sleep. As Ludwig confirms, it's appropriate for various situations but should be reserved for nighttime use. Its register is typically neutral to informal. The phrase sees frequent usage in news, media and lifestyle contexts. While alternatives such as "night" or "sleep well" exist, "goodnight" provides a polite and widely understood way to conclude evening interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Night

A shortened, more informal version of "goodnight".

Night night

A more affectionate and informal way of saying "goodnight", often used with children.

Sweet dreams

Wishes the person pleasant dreams during their sleep.

Sleep well

A general wish for a restful night's sleep.

Have a good sleep

Similar to "sleep well", but slightly more direct.

Farewell

A more formal way of saying goodbye, applicable at any time.

Adieu

A formal and somewhat archaic term for goodbye.

See you in the morning

Indicates an expectation of meeting again the next day.

Until tomorrow

Similar to "see you in the morning", implying a reunion the following day.

Goodbye

A general farewell, less specific to the evening.

FAQs

How do you use "goodnight" in a sentence?

"Goodnight" is typically used as a farewell before going to sleep or at the end of an evening. For example, "Goodnight, I'll see you tomorrow" or "It was lovely seeing you, goodnight".

What can I say instead of "goodnight"?

Alternatives to "goodnight" include "night", "night night", "sleep well", or "sweet dreams" depending on the context and your relationship with the person.

Is it ever appropriate to say "goodnight" during the day?

Generally, "goodnight" is reserved for evening or bedtime farewells. Saying "goodnight" during the day might cause confusion unless someone is going to sleep during the day (e.g., working a night shift).

What's the difference between "goodnight" and "goodbye"?

"Goodbye" is a general farewell suitable for any time of day. "Goodnight" is specific to the evening or before sleep. Using "goodbye" is appropriate anytime, while "goodnight" is context-dependent.