sound good

USAGE SUMMARY

"sound good" is not a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Instead, you could use phrases like "sound appealing" or "sound promising" in certain contexts. For example, "The new software update promises a range of new features that sound promising."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

They sound good!

The New Yorker

That didn't sound good.

The New York Times

Does that sound good?

Independent

The soundbites sound good.

The Guardian - Opinion

That does sound good.

The Guardian - Books

Sound good ?" No one responded.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Sounds good.

The New York Times - Arts

Sounded good.

The New York Times

He sounds good.

The Economist

It sounds good.

The New York Times

Monday night sounded good.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "sound good" is frequently used in spoken English and informal writing, consider using more grammatically correct alternatives like "sounds appealing" or "seems promising" in formal contexts to maintain a polished and professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "sound good" excessively in professional or academic writing. While it is understandable and common in everyday speech, it can come across as too casual. Opt for stronger verbs and adjectives to convey your meaning with more precision and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sound good" primarily functions as a linking verb phrase where "sound" connects the subject to the adjective "good", indicating a perceived quality or impression. Ludwig AI identifies it as usable but notes potential for more precise alternatives in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

7%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "sound good" is a very common and widely understood phrase used to express agreement or approval, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not a correct phrase in written English. It is most often found in news and media sources, and less frequently in academic settings. Although commonly used, especially in spoken English, opting for alternatives such as "sounds appealing" or "seems promising" can enhance the clarity and formality of your writing. While the source quality for examples of "sound good" is generally high, remember to adjust your language based on the context to ensure the most appropriate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sounds appealing

Replaces the general "good" with a more specific descriptor suggesting attractiveness or desirability.

sounds promising

Suggests that something has the potential for a positive outcome.

sounds agreeable

Implies that something is acceptable or satisfactory to all parties involved.

sounds delightful

Expresses a higher level of enthusiasm and pleasure.

sounds acceptable

Indicates that something meets the minimum requirements or standards.

that's a good idea

Shifts from describing a sound to directly affirming the quality of an idea.

that seems reasonable

Focuses on the logical aspect of a suggestion, highlighting its rationality.

that works for me

Indicates personal agreement and willingness to proceed.

that's fine with me

Conveys acceptance without necessarily implying strong enthusiasm.

I agree with that

A straightforward statement of agreement, removing the auditory element.

FAQs

Is "sound good" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in conversation, "sound good" might be considered grammatically informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "sounds appealing" or "seems promising".

What are some alternatives to "sound good" in a professional setting?

In professional settings, you can use alternatives such as "sounds promising", "sounds reasonable", or "that is agreeable" to maintain a formal tone.

How can I make my writing sound more sophisticated than using "sound good"?

To elevate your writing, replace "sound good" with more descriptive phrases that capture the specific quality you want to convey. For example, use "sounds delightful" for something particularly pleasing, or "sounds feasible" to emphasize practicality.

When is it appropriate to use "sound good"?

The phrase "sound good" is most appropriate in informal conversations, casual emails, or situations where a relaxed tone is acceptable. However, be mindful of your audience and the context, opting for more formal language when necessary.