making good time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making good time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is progressing at a satisfactory or efficient pace, often in the context of travel or completing a task. Example: "Despite the heavy traffic, we are making good time and should arrive at the airport ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

My mother said, "We're making good time".

The New Yorker

He was on his way from Boston to Baltimore, and had been making good time.

The New Yorker

"We were doing very well, making good time," he said by telephone from Dallas.

The New York Times

And so they trekked, making good time, and set up their camp at night.

The New Yorker

She cycles on, making good time, along the undulating single-track road.

The Guardian - Books

At Metrograph, the Safdie brothers have programmed a series of films that inspired them while making "Good Time".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He explains why, when making "Good Times" (1967) with Sonny and Cher, he did not portray the couple's real relationship on camera (he was too dominant, she was too passive).

The New York Times - Books

Northcutt: We are in business of making good times great, [but] they are not great if people drink too much.

Forbes

He has made good time.

The New York Times

And I had made good time skinning up the trail.

The New York Times - Travel

There is no traffic, and we make good time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making good time" when you want to convey that progress is satisfactory and efficient, particularly in the context of travel, projects, or tasks.

Common error

While "making good time" is acceptable, it can sound too casual for highly formal writing. In those situations, opt for phrases like "progressing efficiently" or "advancing rapidly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making good time" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe satisfactory or efficient progress, particularly in travel or task completion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Travel

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making good time" is a common and generally acceptable idiom used to describe satisfactory or efficient progress. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context; more formal alternatives like "progressing efficiently" might be preferable in highly formal settings. Its primary function is to communicate that a journey, task, or project is proceeding at an acceptable pace, often suggesting a likelihood of meeting goals or deadlines. Predominantly found in news and travel contexts, this phrase serves as a concise way to convey positive momentum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressing well

Focuses on the advancement of a project or task, rather than specifically on travel.

advancing rapidly

Emphasizes the speed of progress.

moving swiftly

Highlights the quick pace of movement or action.

gaining ground

Suggests overcoming obstacles and making progress.

proceeding efficiently

Focuses on the effectiveness of the process.

on track

Indicates that progress is aligned with the planned schedule.

getting ahead

Implies surpassing expectations or competitors.

speeding along

Focuses on the fast pace of movement or progress.

whizzing along

Suggests a very fast and possibly effortless pace.

hustling along

Implies working hard to make rapid progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "making good time" to describe efficient progress, especially during travel. For example: "Despite the traffic, we're "making good time" and should arrive on schedule."

What are some alternatives to "making good time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "progressing well", "moving swiftly", or "on track".

Is "making good time" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "making good time" may sound informal in certain contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "progressing efficiently" or "advancing rapidly" in those situations.

What does it mean to say that someone is "making good time"?

It means that they are progressing at a satisfactory or efficient pace, often in the context of travel or completing a task.