left on good terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left on good terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a situation in which a relationship between two people or groups ends without any animosity or harsh feelings. For example, "When I finished my internship I left on good terms with my coworkers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

We left on good terms, no acrimony.

Independent

I eventually left on good terms.

The New York Times

"We left on good terms.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of these administrators left on good terms.

The New York Times

They did even better when compared with players who left on good terms: a 10.5% higher rating.The researchers' findings are, for the most part, intuitive.

The Economist

Carl Michael, the chief executive of JLR, said in a recent interview that Dr. Conigliaro left "on good terms and of his own volition".

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Rosenschein also got back to my request for comment and says he's leaving "on good terms".

TechCrunch

He said the decision to move was a personal one and that he leaves on good terms.

The Guardian - Money

Few employers are used to helping people leave on good terms.

The Economist

Uwe leaves on good terms and everybody at Leeds United wishes him well for the future".

The Guardian - Sport

He recommended a short, gracious e-mail, even when leaving on good terms.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity, specify who "left on good terms" with whom; for example, "the employee left on good terms with the company".

Common error

Don't automatically assume that "left on good terms" means future collaboration or immediate rehire is guaranteed. It simply indicates a respectful and professional departure, not necessarily a promise of future opportunities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left on good terms" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the manner in which someone concluded a relationship, typically an employment or professional association. It suggests a positive and amicable departure without significant conflict. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left on good terms" is a commonly used phrase to describe a positive and respectful separation, most often in professional settings. Ludwig AI's analysis, based on a multitude of real-world examples, confirms its grammatical correctness and neutral register. While it implies a harmonious departure, remember that it does not guarantee future collaboration. Consider using alternatives like "parted amicably" or "separated without animosity" for nuanced descriptions. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify who left on good terms with whom to avoid ambiguity. This phrase serves to convey a sense of professionalism and maintain goodwill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parted amicably

Focuses on the friendly nature of the separation.

separated on agreeable terms

Highlights the mutual agreement on the conditions of the separation.

separated without animosity

Highlights the absence of bitterness or hostility.

ended the relationship positively

Emphasizes the positive nature of the ending.

maintained a cordial departure

Stresses the polite and friendly nature of leaving.

left without burning bridges

Focuses on preserving future opportunities.

remained friends after leaving

Highlights the continuation of friendship.

departed respectfully

Emphasizes the respectful manner of leaving.

concluded the association favorably

Uses more formal language to describe a positive ending.

agreed to disagree respectfully

Suggests differing opinions but a respectful separation.

FAQs

How can I use "left on good terms" in a sentence?

You can say, "Although I decided to pursue another opportunity, I "left on good terms" with my previous employer".

What does it mean to say someone "left on good terms"?

It means the person departed from a job, relationship, or organization without any major disputes, animosity, or unresolved conflicts. It suggests a respectful and professional separation.

Is it always beneficial to "leave on good terms"?

While it's generally advantageous to "leave on good terms" to maintain positive relationships and future opportunities, sometimes it's not possible due to circumstances beyond your control. However, aiming for a respectful departure is usually recommended.

What's the difference between ""left on good terms"" and "parted ways"?

"Left on good terms" specifically implies a positive and respectful separation, while "parted ways" is a more neutral term that simply indicates a separation occurred, without specifying the emotional tone.