make for good reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make for good reading" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is interesting and enjoyable to read. For example: "The author's lively and detailed descriptions of the hike make for good reading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

There is little doubt that the children spawned by celebrities make for good reading.

The Guardian

Dirty fighting, if prolonged, does not necessarily make for good reading.

The New Yorker

Just because a long train trip can make for good reading doesn't mean you should volunteer for one unless you're getting paid by the word.

The Economist

Denver quarterback Jay Cutler's hurt feelings after he got whacked a few times in the rumor mill also make for good reading in the Denver Post.

The New York Times

One pity in this is that a truly serious biography of Petraeus — unlike the one that Broadwell wrote, with all its wasted access — might make for good reading.

The New Yorker

1968 was also the year that Mailer covered the Republican and Democratic political conventions, which became the book "Miami and the Siege of Chicago," and wrote "Armies of the Night" (both of which make for good reading in a campaign season).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Still, it makes for good reading.

The Economist

"This culture thing makes for good reading.

The New York Times - Magazine

October baseball makes for good reading.

The New Yorker

James Newman (1907-1966) was the kind of bad father who makes for good reading.

The New York Times - Books

"The table makes for good reading at the moment," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make for good reading" when you want to subtly recommend something without explicitly stating it's the best option. It implies subjective enjoyment and interest, leaving room for personal preferences.

Common error

Avoid using "make for good reading" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and predictable. Vary your language by using alternatives like "be an enjoyable read" or "be an interesting read".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make for good reading" functions as a predicate within a sentence, typically describing a subject (e.g., a book, an article, a story) and indicating that it is interesting or enjoyable to read. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a proper and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make for good reading" is a grammatically sound and semantically valid expression used to convey that something is interesting and enjoyable to read. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Although its frequency is uncommon, the phrase appears consistently across reputable sources, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, context may dictate a more formal alternative in some settings. Remember to use "make for good reading" strategically to enhance your writing and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be an enjoyable read

Focuses on the experience of the reader, emphasizing enjoyment.

be an interesting read

Highlights the captivating or thought-provoking nature of the reading material.

provide a good reading experience

Emphasizes the overall quality and satisfaction derived from reading.

be worth reading

Suggests the material is valuable and deserving of the reader's time.

be a captivating read

Highlights the immersive and engaging nature of the reading material.

be a compelling read

Suggests that the material is forceful and persuasive, grabbing the reader's attention.

make for an absorbing read

Similar to 'captivating', but emphasizes complete mental engagement.

offer an insightful reading experience

Focuses on the reader gaining understanding or new perspectives.

be a rewarding read

Highlights the beneficial or gratifying nature of the reading material.

be a pleasure to read

Focuses solely on the positive emotional experience of the reader.

FAQs

How can I use "make for good reading" in a sentence?

You can use "make for good reading" to describe something that is interesting or enjoyable to read. For example, "The author's use of vivid imagery and suspenseful plot twists "make for good reading"."

What are some alternatives to "make for good reading"?

Some alternatives to "make for good reading" include "be an enjoyable read", "be an interesting read", or "provide a good reading experience". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "make for good reading" formal or informal?

"Make for good reading" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly academic or professional settings.

What makes something "make for good reading"?

Something that "make for good reading" typically has engaging content, a compelling narrative, vivid descriptions, or insightful perspectives that capture and hold the reader's attention. It can also depend on individual preferences and interests.