on good terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on good terms" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two parties have a friendly or positive relationship. For example, "John and Mary are on good terms so they can work together effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We're back on good terms".

The New York Times - Sports

We left on good terms, no acrimony.

Independent

Mr. Moskovitz left Facebook on good terms.

The New York Times - Tech

The couple appeared on good terms.

The New York Times

I eventually left on good terms.

The New York Times

We parted on good terms.

The New York Times - Sports

"We left on good terms.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I'm on good terms with my neighbor.

Vice

If left on good terms or not.

WikiHow

4) Is Lorelei finally on good terms with her parents?

HuffPost

"We're on good terms with him," he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on good terms" to emphasize that a relationship, despite changes or difficulties, remains positive and respectful. For instance, "Even after the business deal fell through, they remained "on good terms".

Common error

Avoid using "on good terms" to describe superficial or purely transactional relationships. The phrase implies a deeper level of mutual respect and understanding beyond mere politeness. It's not appropriate to say "We're on good terms with our internet provider."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on good terms" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the state of a relationship. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its role in indicating a positive and amicable connection between parties, as shown in phrases like "We left "on good terms", no acrimony."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on good terms" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a positive and respectful relationship between parties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples across news, media, and various other contexts. It serves to communicate that despite potential changes or disagreements, a level of mutual understanding and amity remains. When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a genuine level of respect and is not used superficially. Alternatives include phrases like "in amicable relations" or "maintaining a friendly relationship" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining a friendly relationship

Highlights the ongoing effort to keep the relationship positive.

in amicable relations

Focuses on the friendliness and lack of conflict in the relationship.

having a cordial rapport

Emphasizes the warmth and politeness of the interaction.

being on friendly footing

Suggests a stable and positive base for the relationship.

in harmonious accord

Indicates a state of agreement and peace between parties.

in a state of amity

Highlights the feeling of friendship and goodwill.

keeping relations sweet

Implies efforts to keep the relationship pleasant and agreeable.

having a close understanding

Focuses on the mutual comprehension and empathy in the relationship.

remaining in favor

Indicates that one party is still well-regarded by the other.

staying affable with

Highlights the consistently pleasant and approachable nature of the interaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "on good terms" to describe a positive relationship between people or entities. For example, "Despite their differences, they remained "on good terms" after the debate".

What's a good alternative to "on good terms"?

Alternatives to "on good terms" include "in amicable relations", "maintaining a friendly relationship", or "having a cordial rapport".

Is it always necessary to specify with whom someone is "on good terms"?

Yes, it's best to specify the parties involved for clarity. For example, instead of saying "They are on good terms", specify "They are "on good terms" with each other".

What does it mean when a contract states that parties must part "on good terms"?

It usually means that all parties agree to end the agreement respectfully and without animosity, ensuring no legal disputes or reputational damage arise from the separation. This is similar to "leave on good terms".