too good for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too good for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that is so good that it is more than something deserves. For example, "She is too good for him; he doesn't deserve to have someone so kind and thoughtful in his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

too good for him.

Yale University

Too good for us codgers.

The New Yorker

Not too good for my stomach".

The New York Times - Sports

"The stuff we were too good for".

The New York Times

They are too good for that.

Independent

Nothing now was too good for her.

The New Yorker

Is American justice too good for them?

The New York Times

His record is too good for that.

The Economist

Kei played too good for me".

The New York Times

Too good for their own good?

Independent

Richie's too good for him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "too good for" to express the idea that someone or something is superior or undeserving of a particular situation or treatment. For instance, "That opportunity is "too good for" him; he won't appreciate it."

Common error

Avoid using "too good for" sarcastically without clear context, as it can be misinterpreted. Ensure your tone is evident to prevent confusion about whether you're being genuine or ironic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too good for" functions as a comparative adjective phrase followed by a preposition. According to Ludwig, it indicates that someone or something is superior or undeserving of a particular situation. It's often used to express a judgment or opinion about suitability or compatibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "too good for" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that someone or something is superior to or undeserving of a particular situation, person, or treatment. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, users should be mindful of tone and context, especially when using it sarcastically, to avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives such as "deserves better than" or "not worthy of" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deserves better than

Focuses on the idea that someone is entitled to something of higher quality.

out of their league

Used to describe a mismatch in status or quality, often in relationships or competitions.

not worthy of

This phrase directly expresses that someone or something does not merit something else.

wasted on

Suggests that something valuable is being given to someone who doesn't appreciate it.

above someone's station

This alternative suggests that something is beyond what someone deserves or is accustomed to.

overqualified for

Indicates that someone's skills or experience exceed the requirements of a particular role or situation.

beyond their reach

Implies that something is unattainable or unsuitable for someone.

a cut above

Implies that something is of significantly higher quality than others.

better suited for something else

Suggests that someone's talents or qualities would be more appropriately used elsewhere.

misplaced on

Indicates that something is not appropriately assigned or given to someone.

FAQs

How can I use "too good for" in a sentence?

You can use "too good for" to indicate that someone or something is superior to a particular situation or person. For example, "She's "too good for" him; he doesn't deserve her."

What's a less common way to say "too good for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "above someone's station" or "not worthy of", which convey a similar sense of inappropriateness.

Is it ever appropriate to use "too good for" sarcastically?

Yes, but be mindful of your audience. Sarcastic use of "too good for" requires clear contextual cues to avoid misinterpretation. Ensure your tone is unmistakable.

What's the difference between "deserves better than" and "too good for"?

"Deserves better than" focuses on the idea that someone is entitled to something of higher quality, while "too good for" implies a mismatch or superiority in the current situation. They are similar but emphasize slightly different aspects.