greater good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greater good" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is beneficial for the majority of people, even if it may cause some individuals to sacrifice something. For example, "We must all work together for the greater good of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The greater good.

The New York Times

Greater Good in Action.

University of California, Berkeley

For a greater good.

The Guardian - Books

No greater good.

The Guardian - Tech

But it's for the greater good.

The New York Times

Our investments in the greater good?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The reason is that it's for the greater good.

Vice

Take a Greater Good Quiz!

University of California, Berkeley

Gregg makes contributions to Greater Good magazine, helps develop the Greater Good website, and volunteers at Greater Good events.

University of California, Berkeley

How Altruistic is the Greater Good Community?

University of California, Berkeley

Stacey Kennelly is a Greater Good editorial assistant.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "greater good", ensure the context clearly defines who benefits and what sacrifices are involved to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "greater good" as a blanket justification for controversial actions without thoroughly considering ethical implications and potential harm to individuals or minority groups. It is vital to balance collective benefits with individual rights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greater good" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'for the greater good'). It represents a conceptual goal or principle guiding decisions and actions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes the advantage accruing to the majority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

42%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

TechCrunch

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greater good" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies the benefit or welfare of the majority, even if it requires sacrifices from some individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic discussions. While the phrase often serves to justify decisions and actions, it is crucial to consider the ethical implications and potential impacts on individual rights, avoiding its overuse as a blanket justification. Alternatives such as "common welfare" and "public interest" can provide nuanced perspectives depending on the specific context. Be mindful when using "greater good", ensure the context clearly defines who benefits and what sacrifices are involved to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common welfare

Emphasizes the well-being of the community as a whole.

public interest

Focuses on actions and policies that benefit the general population.

collective benefit

Highlights the advantages that accrue to everyone involved.

societal benefit

Similar to collective benefit, but with a broader scope.

good of society

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing the same concept.

benefit of all

Stresses that the advantages are distributed universally.

community's advantage

Highlights the positive outcomes for a specific community.

general well-being

Focuses on the overall health and happiness of a population.

overall prosperity

Emphasizes the economic and social flourishing of a group.

social harmony

Focuses on the peaceful and cooperative interactions within a society.

FAQs

How do you use "greater good" in a sentence?

The phrase "greater good" is used to describe actions or decisions intended to benefit the majority, even if they require some individuals to make sacrifices. For example, "The new policy was implemented for the "greater good" of the community".

What's a good alternative to "greater good"?

Alternatives to "greater good" include "common welfare", "public interest", or "collective benefit". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always ethical to act for the "greater good"?

Acting for the "greater good" can present ethical dilemmas when individual rights or minority interests are compromised. It's important to weigh the benefits and potential harms carefully and consider alternative solutions that minimize negative impacts.

What does it mean to sacrifice for the "greater good"?

Sacrificing for the "greater good" means giving up something of personal value or comfort for the benefit of a larger group or community. This could involve time, resources, or even certain freedoms.