say farewell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say farewell" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a final goodbye to someone, such as when a person is leaving a place, job, or relationship. Example: Before moving away for college, I said farewell to my friends and family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I never say farewell".

The New York Times

Ben Chaney was there to say farewell.

The New York Times

The time has now come to say farewell.

The Economist

According to Kosourov, Kolesnikov told him, "Ivan, say farewell".

The New Yorker

Mead says it's time to gratefully say farewell to both.

The New York Times

But first, lettest me say farewell to my erstwhile guardian".

The Guardian - Books

Thank you all for coming out to help say farewell.

The New Yorker

"I never had the opportunity to say farewell to him.

The Guardian - Sport

But it's time to begin to say farewell.

The Guardian

I'm glad we were there to say farewell.

The Guardian - Music

Before that, we had just enough time to say farewell.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "say farewell" to mark a significant ending or departure. It adds a sense of finality and respect to the occasion.

Common error

Avoid using "say farewell" in very informal or casual situations. Alternatives like "see you later" or "bye" are often more appropriate for everyday goodbyes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say farewell" functions as a verbal expression indicating the act of bidding goodbye. It denotes a conscious and often formal act of parting from someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its use in marking significant endings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "say farewell" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to express a final goodbye, often with a sense of formality and significance. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a more formal or emphatic parting is desired, rather than casual everyday goodbyes. Alternatives such as "bid adieu" or "take leave" can provide similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. Remember to adapt your choice to the specific context to achieve the desired tone and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter a goodbye

Focuses on the verbal act of saying goodbye.

bid adieu

Uses a more formal, slightly archaic term for goodbye.

exchange goodbyes

Focuses on the reciprocal act of saying goodbye between individuals.

take leave

Emphasizes the act of departing or leaving.

wish someone well on their way

Highlights the act of wishing someone success and happiness as they leave.

express parting sentiments

Focuses on the feelings and emotions associated with saying goodbye.

give a send-off

Highlights the act of providing a farewell celebration or gesture.

offer a valediction

Presents a very formal and literary way of saying goodbye.

make a departure

More focused on the action of leaving, but implies a goodbye.

extend good wishes upon departure

A longer, more elaborate way to express saying goodbye and offering good wishes.

FAQs

How can I use "say farewell" in a sentence?

You can use "say farewell" to describe the act of bidding goodbye. For example, "It was difficult to say farewell to my friends when I moved away".

What can I say instead of "say farewell"?

You can use alternatives like "bid adieu", "take leave", or "offer a valediction", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "say farewell" or "said farewell"?

"Say farewell" is the present tense or infinitive form, while "said farewell" is the past tense. Use "said farewell" when referring to a past event.

What's the difference between "say goodbye" and "say farewell"?

"Say goodbye" is a more common and general way to express parting. "Say farewell" is often used to convey a more formal, significant, or final departure.