had a good time

USAGE SUMMARY

"had a good time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it (for example) to indicate that someone has been enjoying a particular activity. For example: "The kids had a good time playing in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everybody had a good time.

The New Yorker

"We had a good time.

The New York Times

I had a good time".

The New York Times

Me, I had a good time".

The New York Times

"But he definitely had a good time".

The New York Times - Sports

We had a good time that year".

The New Yorker

I just had a good time.

The New York Times

We all had a good time.

The New York Times

They had a good time.

The New York Times

"Kids had a good time.

The New York Times

I've had a good time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had a good time" to convey general enjoyment, but consider more specific alternatives like "had a blast" or "thoroughly enjoyed themselves" to add nuance.

Common error

While "had a good time" is perfectly acceptable, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "enjoyed themselves" or "had a blast" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a good time" functions as a statement of enjoyment or satisfaction with an event or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had a good time" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent expression for conveying enjoyment. Ludwig AI affirms its appropriate usage across diverse contexts, notably in news and media. While versatile, writers should vary their vocabulary for richer expression, employing synonyms like "enjoyed themselves" or "had a blast". Common errors involve overuse; diversify your writing to maintain engagement and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had fun

A simpler and more direct way of expressing enjoyment.

had a blast

Implies a very energetic and exciting experience.

enjoyed themselves immensely

Emphasizes a high degree of enjoyment.

thoroughly enjoyed themselves

Highlights the completeness and satisfaction derived from the experience.

had a wonderful experience

Focuses on the positive and memorable nature of the event.

had a delightful time

Suggests a pleasant and charming experience.

reveled in the moment

Emphasizes taking great pleasure and joy in the present.

found it very enjoyable

A more general statement of finding something pleasing.

cherished the experience

Emphasizes the value and fondness associated with the memory.

created great memories

Highlights the lasting positive impact of the experience.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "had a good time"?

Saying someone "had a good time" means they enjoyed themselves and found an experience to be pleasant or fun. It's a general way of expressing satisfaction with an activity or event.

What can I say instead of "had a good time"?

You can use alternatives like "enjoyed themselves", "had a blast", or "had a wonderful experience" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "had a good time"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and a very common expression in English.

How can I make the phrase "had a good time" more descriptive?

To be more descriptive, specify what made the time enjoyable. For example, instead of "We had a good time", try "We "had a delightful time" exploring the city's hidden gems" or "We "thoroughly enjoyed themselves" at the concert".