well-behaved

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'well-behaved' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective which is used to describe someone or something that behaves in an appropriate manner, typically in accordance with rules and expectations. For example, "The children were very well-behaved during the assembly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He was well-behaved.

The New Yorker

"We're very well-behaved.

The New Yorker

We're well-behaved.

The Washington Post

Frankly, they're incredibly well-behaved.

The Economist

Fine for well-behaved children.

The New York Times

Well-behaved dogs everywhere.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"He's very well behaved.

The New York Times

It's quite well behaved".

Independent

But well behaved?

The New Yorker

"Everybody was well behaved".

The New York Times - Sports

Ideologically, he's well behaved.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing children or animals, use "well-behaved" to indicate good conduct and adherence to rules or expectations. For example: "The dog is very well-behaved in public places."

Common error

Avoid using "well-behaved" in highly technical contexts (e.g. scientific research papers) where more precise and formal language may be required. Consider alternatives that directly address the specific property being described such as "stable" or "predictable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-behaved" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective. It modifies a noun, indicating that the subject exhibits good behavior and adheres to expected standards of conduct. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to describe people, animals, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well-behaved" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe individuals, animals, or even abstract concepts that exhibit good behavior and adhere to expected standards of conduct. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Wiki and scientific sources. When using this phrase, consider its neutral tone and avoid overuse in highly technical contexts where more precise language is required. Related terms such as "obedient" and "well-mannered" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obedient

Focuses on compliance with commands or instructions.

well-mannered

Emphasizes politeness and good etiquette.

disciplined

Highlights self-control and adherence to rules.

respectful

Stresses showing regard for others and their feelings.

orderly

Indicates a state of being organized and controlled.

compliant

Similar to obedient, but may imply a more passive adherence.

decorous

Suggests dignified and proper behavior, often in formal settings.

manageable

Implies ease of handling or control, often used for children or animals.

civilized

Emphasizes refinement and adherence to social norms.

controlled

Highlights the ability to restrain one's actions or emotions.

FAQs

How can I use "well-behaved" in a sentence?

You can use "well-behaved" to describe someone or something that acts properly and has good manners. For instance: "The children were remarkably well-behaved during the field trip."

What's a good alternative to the phrase "well-behaved"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "obedient", "well-mannered", or "disciplined".

Is it more appropriate to say "well-behaved" or "good-behaved"?

"Well-behaved" is the correct and more commonly used term. "Good-behaved" is not standard English.

In what situations is it most fitting to describe someone as "well-behaved"?

The phrase "well-behaved" is most suitable for describing children, pets, or even crowds that are exhibiting good conduct and following expected rules. For example, describing "well-behaved dogs" in public.