pretty good one

USAGE SUMMARY

"pretty good one" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is better than average, but not quite excellent. Example: "I've been to many concerts, but that one was a pretty good one. The artist's stage presence was impressive and the sound quality was top-notch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm betting he got a pretty good one from the Twitterverse on Monday.

The Guardian - Sport

(And a pretty good one at that).

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's a pretty good one," he said.

The New York Times

She was a pretty good one, and a pioneer.

The New Yorker

The idea has turned out a pretty good one though.

The Guardian - Sport

I mean, that's a pretty good one, actually.

Harvard Business Review

Last week was a pretty good one for President Obama.

The New York Times

Granted, as non-achievements go, it's a pretty good one.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a reason, and it's a pretty good one.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And, as faces go, Cassel's is a pretty good one.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"That's a pretty good one-two punch to start the season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: while versatile, the phrase is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral settings rather than highly formal or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty good one" in formal reports or academic papers where a more precise or sophisticated expression of approval is expected. Opt for alternatives like 'remarkably good' or 'exceptionally good' for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty good one" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to something deemed satisfactory or above average but not exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty good one" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a positive, yet not exceptional, evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms this with abundant real-world examples. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral to informal register. While versatile, it's best suited for casual conversations and informal writing, with more precise alternatives recommended for formal contexts. The phrase functions as an adjective phrase, effectively conveying approval or satisfaction without implying perfection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally good one

This phrase indicates that the thing is outstandingly good and deviates from the norm.

surprisingly good one

This phrase highlights the unexpected nature of the goodness.

genuinely good one

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the goodness being described.

unusually good one

Focuses on the rarity or infrequency of something being so good.

distinctly good one

Suggests a clear and easily identifiable quality of being good, setting it apart.

remarkably good one

This alternative emphasizes a higher level of surprise or unexpected excellence.

noticeably good one

This emphasizes that the goodness is easily observed or recognized.

markedly good one

Similar to 'noticeably', but with a slightly more formal tone.

decidedly good one

This phrase suggests a clear and unmistakable quality of being good.

considerably good one

Implies that the level of goodness is significant or noteworthy.

FAQs

How can I use "pretty good one" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty good one" to describe something that is better than average but not outstanding. For example, "That movie was a "pretty good one"; I enjoyed the plot and the acting."

What phrases are similar to "pretty good one"?

Similar phrases include "fairly good one", "quite good one", or "reasonably good one". These alternatives convey a similar meaning while offering slight variations in tone.

Is it appropriate to use "pretty good one" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "pretty good one" is generally more suitable for informal or casual contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives to convey your message effectively.

What's the difference between "pretty good one" and "very good one"?

"Pretty good one" suggests a level of goodness that is above average but not exceptional, while "very good one" implies a higher degree of quality or satisfaction. The choice depends on the specific context and the intended emphasis.