jolly good time

USAGE SUMMARY

"jolly good time" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this expression to express a positive sentiment or indicate that you have had an enjoyable time. Example sentence: We had a jolly good time at the party last night.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

We had a jolly good time I tell you!

Princeton University

I thought it sounded like a real jolly good time.

The Guardian - Tech

"I thought it sounded like a real jolly good time," he told the Daily Beast about the shitposting organization.

The Guardian - Tech

I have never seen so many people getting mashed up, rammed or having such a jolly good time.

The Guardian - Music

Yes, it's that time of the year for bosses to show appreciation and for you to have a jolly good time.

Independent

One of them comes up from Watford to Wrexham to take me out for Christmas every year and we have a jolly good time.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

A death metal band whose debut is named Jolly Good Times on Peppermint Farm wouldn't sound right.

WikiHow

IT SEEMED a jolly good idea at the time.

The Economist

No sooner have members of the audience settled into their seats than a warm-up man named Steve Fox Jeb Brownn) comes out to jolly them into having a good time.

The New York Times

"One day I had to go out for an hour or so and I left my hubby home alone (Québec) with our princess and he thought it would be fun to film her having a good time in the Jolly Jumper," the YouTube description reads.

Huffington Post

And also quite large and possibly time-consuming: it is a jolly good thing he does not have to waste too much time with the silly Apprentice anymore.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jolly good time" when aiming for a slightly old-fashioned or British English feel. It adds a touch of whimsy and lightheartedness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "jolly good time" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Its distinctive flavor can become repetitive and lose its impact if overused; consider using synonyms to provide variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jolly good time" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a direct object or predicate nominative, describing an event or experience that was enjoyable. As Ludwig AI also points out, it expresses a positive sentiment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jolly good time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express enjoyment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, and while not highly formal, it adds a touch of lightheartedness to any context. Remember, while "jolly good time" is a versatile phrase, synonyms like "very good time" or "fantastic time" can offer variety and prevent overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very good time

This alternative is a direct synonym, simply replacing "jolly" with "very" for emphasis.

really good time

This alternative substitutes "jolly" with "really", indicating genuine enjoyment but with a less formal tone.

excellent time

This suggests a superior level of enjoyment compared to the original phrase.

fantastic time

This option replaces "jolly good" with "fantastic", providing a more modern and enthusiastic expression.

wonderful time

This suggests a delightful and memorable experience, emphasizing the positive aspects.

splendid time

This maintains a similar level of formality and enthusiasm as the original but uses a different adjective.

marvelous time

This offers another alternative to "jolly good", implying great pleasure and satisfaction.

enjoyable experience

This alternative is more general and focuses on the nature of the experience rather than the intensity of enjoyment.

pleasant experience

This phrase highlights the agreeable and agreeable quality of the occasion, a gentler expression of pleasure.

memorable occasion

This phrase shifts focus from the enjoyment to the lasting impact and significance of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "jolly good time" in a sentence?

You can use "jolly good time" to describe an enjoyable experience. For example: "We had a "jolly good time" at the party," or "The children are having a "jolly good time" playing in the park."

What are some alternatives to "jolly good time"?

Alternatives include "very good time", "really good time", "excellent time", or "fantastic time", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "jolly good time" formal or informal?

"Jolly good time" is considered somewhat informal and slightly old-fashioned. It's suitable for casual conversation and lighthearted writing but may not be appropriate for highly formal or professional contexts.

What does "jolly good time" actually mean?

"Jolly good time" is an idiomatic expression that means a very enjoyable or pleasant experience. The word "jolly" emphasizes the positive and cheerful nature of the experience.