in pretty good shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in pretty good shape" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is in a condition that is almost perfect, or better than average. For example: "The car is in pretty good shape, considering it's over 20 years old".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Health

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's in pretty good shape".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm in pretty good shape.

The New York Times - Magazine

THE city is in pretty good shape.

The Economist

"I keep myself in pretty good shape.

The New York Times - Sports

I was in pretty good shape.

The New York Times - Health

"We're in pretty good shape," Torre said.

The New York Times

It should be in pretty good shape".

The New York Times

"I'm in pretty good shape," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think we're in pretty good shape".

The New York Times

"But he's in pretty good shape," Coughlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

The bridge's main cables are still in pretty good shape.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assessing an object's condition, use "in pretty good shape" to convey that it might have minor flaws but is generally well-maintained.

Common error

Avoid using "in pretty good shape" without context. Saying something is "in pretty good shape" without specifying what aspect you're referring to can lead to confusion. Instead, provide specific details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in pretty good shape" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe the condition or state of a person, object, or situation. Ludwig examples show it used to describe physical condition, the state of objects, and even abstract concepts like a company's financial status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in pretty good shape" is a versatile and commonly used adjectival phrase for describing something that is in a condition that is better than average. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It finds frequent use in news and media, sports, and business contexts, signifying a positive assessment without implying perfection. When writing, ensure that the context is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "in reasonably good condition" or "in fine form" to add nuance. Overall, "in pretty good shape" is a reliable phrase for expressing a favorable, yet moderate, evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in tip-top condition

Suggests an excellent, almost flawless state.

in reasonably good condition

Indicates a satisfactory state, similar to the query, but focuses more on the state of repair or maintenance.

in prime condition

Highlights the peak or optimal state of something.

in fairly decent shape

Uses "decent" instead of "good", suggesting a slightly lower degree of excellence.

in fine form

Implies a state of being ready and capable, particularly in terms of performance or skill.

in relatively good health

Specifically refers to health, narrowing the context compared to the broader applicability of the query.

in a sound state

Emphasizes stability and reliability of something.

doing quite well

Shifts the focus to performance or progress, implying that something is functioning successfully.

quite healthy

Directly refers to health status, simpler and more direct.

doing all right

A more casual and understated way of saying something is satisfactory.

FAQs

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

You can use "in pretty good shape" to describe something or someone that is in a condition better than average. For example: "The car is "in pretty good shape" for its age."

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

Alternatives include "in reasonably good condition", "in fairly decent shape", or "in tip-top condition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "in pretty good shape"?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate that something is better than just 'okay' but not necessarily perfect. It's a moderate, positive assessment suitable for many contexts.

Is "in pretty good shape" formal or informal?

It leans towards being informal but is generally acceptable in neutral contexts. For very formal situations, consider alternatives like "in excellent condition" or "well-maintained".