say goodbye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say goodbye" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the act of parting or bidding farewell to someone. Example: "As the train pulled away, I turned to wave and say goodbye to my friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Well, say goodbye.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Say goodbye to Dennis".

The New Yorker

Hard to say goodbye.

The New Yorker

Grime to say goodbye.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Say goodbye to traditional projectors.

The New York Times

It was to say goodbye.

The New York Times

We began to say goodbye.

The New York Times

Nobody wanted to say goodbye.

The New Yorker

Say goodbye to Withings.

TechCrunch

Say goodbye Leslie.

BBC

Say goodbye, Leslie.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight of the situation. While "say goodbye" is generally neutral, in more somber or permanent partings, a more formal alternative like "bid farewell" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "say goodbye" in highly formal or ceremonious situations where more elevated language is expected. Opt for alternatives like "bid farewell" or "take one's leave" in such instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say goodbye" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of expressing farewell to someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "say goodbye" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express farewell. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide acceptability. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to consider more formal alternatives like "bid farewell" in highly ceremonious contexts. Its frequent use in news, media, and wiki sources indicates broad applicability, while business and scientific contexts might occasionally call for more refined language. Be mindful of the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate way to bid someone adieu.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Farewell

A more formal and somewhat final way of saying goodbye.

Bid farewell

More formal alternative, emphasizing a ceremonious departure.

Wish farewell

Similar to "bid farewell", but focuses on expressing good wishes.

Take one's leave

Formal and somewhat archaic, highlighting the act of leaving.

Part ways

Emphasizes the separation or divergence of paths.

Wave goodbye

Describes the action of waving while saying goodbye.

Send off

To give a goodbye to someone who's leaving.

See you later

Informal and commonly used, implying a future meeting.

So long

Informal and slightly dated, meaning goodbye.

Adieu

French term for goodbye, often used in formal or dramatic contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "say goodbye" to express the act of bidding farewell, such as "I had to "say goodbye" to my family at the airport" or "It's never easy to "say goodbye" to friends".

What are some alternatives to "say goodbye"?

Alternatives include "bid farewell", "take one's leave", or simply "farewell", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "say goodbye" appropriate for formal situations?

While generally acceptable, "say goodbye" might be considered too informal for very formal events or writings. In such cases, consider using "bid farewell" or "farewell" instead.

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

"Say goodbye" refers to the act of verbally expressing farewell, while "wave goodbye" involves the physical gesture of waving your hand as a form of farewell. You can do both simultaneously.