say goodnight

USAGE SUMMARY

"say goodnight" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
For example, you could write, "We said our goodbyes and wished each other goodnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Let's say goodnight.

The Guardian

It's time to say goodnight.

The New York Times

Let's say goodnight for now.

The Guardian

"Say Goodnight Gracie," by Rupert Holmes.

The New York Times

It urges the evictees to "Say goodnight, Dick".

The New York Times

Say Goodnight Gracie Helen Hayes Theater, 240 West 44th Street.

The New York Times

Do we really have to say goodnight to Hedwig?

The New York Times

I pop into the bedroom to say goodnight.

The Guardian

No, let's just say goodnight and mean goodbye.

The Guardian

$12.50 to $35. "Say Goodnight Gracie," by Rupert Holmes.

The New York Times

If you must, kiss them once on the forehead when they say goodnight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "say goodnight" in narrative, consider the context and character. A simple "say goodnight" can convey warmth, while a reluctant "say goodnight" hints at underlying emotions.

Common error

In professional or formal correspondence, avoid using "say goodnight" directly. Instead, opt for phrases like "I wish you a good evening" or "I look forward to our next meeting" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say goodnight" functions primarily as a performative utterance, enacting the act of bidding someone farewell at the end of the day. Ludwig examples show its direct use in dialogues and narratives, confirming its role in expressing a nightly parting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

22%

Huffington Post

17%

Less common in

The Guardian

13%

Vice

2%

BBC

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "say goodnight" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a farewell at the end of the day. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, especially in news media and informal communications. While it's generally suitable for everyday conversations, more formal alternatives may be necessary in professional or academic settings. When using this phrase, consider your audience and adjust your language accordingly to convey the appropriate tone. Some useful alternatives include "bid goodnight" or "wish you a good night".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bid goodnight

Replaces "say" with "bid", offering a slightly more formal tone.

wish goodnight

Substitutes "say" with "wish", emphasizing the expression of good wishes.

utter goodnight

Replaces "say" with "utter", focusing on the act of vocalizing the farewell.

offer goodnight

Uses "offer" instead of "say", highlighting the act of extending a farewell.

extend goodnight

Replaces "say" with "extend", suggesting a more elaborate or heartfelt farewell.

tell someone goodnight

Adds the explicit mention of the recipient of the farewell.

impart goodnight

Offers a more literary substitution for "say", suggesting the conveying of a parting message.

whisper goodnight

Suggests a quiet and intimate manner of saying goodnight.

mutter goodnight

Implies a quiet or subdued delivery of the farewell.

just say night

Shortens the phrase to a more casual form.

FAQs

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

You can use "say goodnight" in various contexts, such as: "I went upstairs to "say goodnight" to my children", or "It's time to "say goodnight" and get some rest".

What are some alternatives to "say goodnight"?

Some alternatives include "bid goodnight", "wish goodnight", or simply "say night", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "say goodnight" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "say goodnight" is generally more suitable for informal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "I wish you a pleasant night".

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

"Say goodnight" is typically used when parting ways at the end of the day or before sleep, whereas "goodbye" is a more general farewell that can be used at any time of day when someone is leaving.