properly good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "properly good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is not just good, but good in a way that is appropriate or fitting. Example: "The meal was properly good, exceeding all my expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Wittertainment is properly good.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He's properly good.

The Guardian

He is a properly good actor, no?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Miss Angeli is pretty and appealing and others are properly good.

The New York Times

Claire Foy is properly good as the pushy moral vacuum of an editor.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Michael Fassbender's an impressive sight in full swing too, and a properly good bloke.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

If it is built well and works properly, a good resolution framework allows a company to fail, without socializing losses and without destabilizing the financial system.

The New York Times

But was it actually – really, honestly, properly – any good?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Others complain that the news media aren't properly reporting good economic news.

The New York Times

"Once done properly, a good repointing job should last for many, many years" -- from 20 to 35 years, if properly done.

The New York Times

He is a vivid creation, and dominates the second half of the book — a crank, a shaman, an urban philosopher, an interesting failure and theatrical bore, he is the kind of comic character who properly overpowers good novels.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "properly good" to emphasize that something isn't just good, but appropriately or fittingly so. It's especially effective when describing something that meets expectations in a particularly satisfying way.

Common error

Avoid using "properly good" in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "genuinely excellent" or "exceptionally well-executed" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "properly good" functions as an intensifying modifier. 'Properly' enhances the adjective 'good', indicating a higher degree of quality or suitability. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase emphasizes that something is not just good, but good in a way that is appropriate or fitting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Lifestyle

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Music

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "properly good" is used to express that something isn't just good, but fittingly or appropriately so. It is grammatically correct and has a neutral register. It’s common in news and media, especially lifestyle writing. While it is widely considered correct according to Ludwig AI, avoid using it in overly formal contexts where precision is key. Consider alternatives like "genuinely excellent" or "truly outstanding" for a more sophisticated tone when needed. Ludwig's examples indicate the phrase is commonly used to express satisfaction, especially with food, performances or services.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuinely excellent

Replaces 'properly' with 'genuinely' to emphasize authenticity of the excellence.

truly outstanding

Substitutes 'properly' with 'truly' and 'good' with 'outstanding' for a stronger emphasis on exceptional quality.

appropriately excellent

Highlights something being both fitting/appropriate and of excellent quality.

exceptionally well done

Focuses on the execution and quality of the performance or creation rather than a general sense of goodness.

positively impressive

Uses a stronger adjective to convey a more significant impact.

remarkably effective

Emphasizes the effectiveness of something that is also good.

decidedly superior

Highlights the clear superiority of something, indicating a noticeable level of quality.

thoroughly enjoyable

Shifts the focus to the enjoyment aspect, suggesting it provides a pleasing experience.

perfectly adequate

Replaces the positive connotation with adequacy, suggesting it meets the requirements without being extraordinary.

completely satisfactory

Focuses on the satisfaction derived, implying that it adequately meets expectations.

FAQs

What does "properly good" mean?

"Properly good" means something is not just good, but also appropriately or fittingly so. It suggests a high degree of satisfaction and suitability.

What are some alternatives to "properly good"?

You can use alternatives like "genuinely excellent", "truly outstanding", or "exceptionally well done" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "properly good" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "properly good" might sound too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "decidedly superior" or "appropriately excellent".

How can I use "properly good" in a sentence?

You can use "properly good" to describe food, performances, or anything that exceeds your expectations in a fitting manner. For example, "The chocolate was "properly good" because the raw material was of high calibre".