in good shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in good shape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is in good condition, or someone who is in good physical health or state of mind. For example: "My car is still running great, and the engine's still in good shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's in good shape.

The New York Times - Sports

They're all in good shape".

The New York Times

"We're in good shape, though.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm in good shape anyway.

Independent

"She's in good shape".

The New York Times

And in good shape.

The New York Times

But the pipes were in good shape.

The New York Times

Simenon was not in good shape, either.

The New Yorker

And Verizon is in good shape.

The Economist

"It seems to be in good shape.

The New York Times

Her cuticles were in good shape.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical fitness, clarify the aspect of fitness you are referring to, such as cardiovascular health or muscular strength. For example, specify "in good cardiovascular shape" for more clarity.

Common error

Avoid omitting the word "good" when using the phrase. While "in shape" is acceptable, "in good shape" is more specific and often preferred, particularly in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in good shape" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe its condition or state of being, indicating that it is in a satisfactory or excellent state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in good shape" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that describes something's condition as satisfactory or excellent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "in excellent condition" and "in top form" offer similar meanings, "in good shape" provides a balanced level of formality suitable for diverse applications. Remember to specify aspects of fitness and avoid omitting the word "good" for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in excellent condition

Replaces "good" with a stronger adjective, emphasizing a superior state.

in tip-top condition

Similar to "in excellent condition" but with a more informal tone.

in prime condition

Highlights that something or someone is in the best possible state.

in fine fettle

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a state of good health or spirits.

in top form

Focuses on peak performance or condition, suitable for athletic or competitive contexts.

in a healthy state

Specifically refers to the physical or mental health of a subject.

well-maintained

Applies to objects or systems that have been properly cared for.

doing well

A broader term indicating overall success or positive status.

in working order

Implies that something is functional and ready for use.

shipshape

Idiomatic, meaning well-organized and in good order.

FAQs

How can I use "in good shape" in a sentence?

You can use "in good shape" to describe the condition of an object, like "My car is still "in good shape" despite its age". Alternatively, you can describe a person's health, such as "After training, she's "in good shape" for the marathon".

What are some alternatives to saying "in good shape"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in excellent condition", "in top form", or "well-maintained" to convey similar meanings.

Is it better to say "in good shape" or "in shape"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""in good shape"" is often preferred for its increased specificity and clarity. "In shape" can be more general, while ""in good shape"" more explicitly indicates a positive condition.

What does it mean when something is "in good shape"?

When something is described as ""in good shape"", it means that it is in a satisfactory or excellent condition. This can refer to physical condition, functionality, or overall state of being.