wholly good

USAGE SUMMARY

The answer depends on the context. 'Wholly good' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English, but the meaning of the phrase can vary depending on the context. For example, one might say, "The charity event was wholly good, as all of the proceeds went to those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But trust me: it's wholly good.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Of course, cynicism is neither wholly good nor bad.

The Guardian

"For example, nature safaris are not wholly good.

The Guardian

The first – that no one is wholly good – makes us human.

The New York Times

The things we produce are neither wholly good nor wholly bad for the environment.

The Washington Post

"For this reason, the outlook today for nutrition is not wholly good.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

But these are human, universal things that go beyond Ai Weiwei … he's not saying he's a saint, or that he is wholly right or good.

The Guardian - Arts

Can Catholics begin to view their faith beyond the polarities of all good or wholly terrible?

Huffington Post

I see it very much as my job, my role, to make sure that I try to iron out those difficulties so it becomes a force wholly for good.

The Guardian

So to be "wholly and really" good a thing must contribute to the good of the universe as a whole (Ibid).

SEP

It was the kind of bare-bones recipe wholly dependent on good ingredients.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wholly good" when you want to emphasize the complete and unadulterated nature of something's goodness. It adds a formal tone to your writing.

Common error

While "wholly good" is correct, overuse of formal language can make your writing sound stiff. Consider more common alternatives like "completely good" or "entirely good" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholly good" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is entirely and completely good. Ludwig provides examples where it describes situations, actions, or ideas deemed completely positive. This contrasts with things that might be partially good or have mixed qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wholly good" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something as completely and entirely good. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples show it frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific and academic contexts. While a valid expression, its formality may make it unsuitable for all situations; considering alternatives like "completely good" or "entirely good" might be preferable in less formal settings. When aiming for precision and a degree of formality, "wholly good" remains a solid choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Completely good

Emphasizes the completeness of the goodness, similar to 'wholly' but more straightforward.

Entirely good

Focuses on the entirety of the positive aspect, close in meaning to 'wholly'.

Altogether good

Indicates that when everything is considered, the thing is good.

Perfectly good

Suggests a flawless state of goodness, implying no negative aspects.

Absolutely good

Highlights the certainty and lack of doubt in its goodness.

Unreservedly good

Implies goodness without any hesitation or qualification.

Thoroughly good

Suggests a deep and pervasive goodness throughout.

Purely good

Emphasizes the absence of any negative or corrupting influences.

Unmitigatedly good

Highlights that the goodness is not lessened or diminished in any way.

Consummately good

Implies a high degree of skill or perfection in its goodness.

FAQs

How can I use "wholly good" in a sentence?

You can use "wholly good" to describe something that is completely positive or beneficial, such as, "The outcome of the project was "wholly good" for the community."

What's a less formal alternative to "wholly good"?

Alternatives to "wholly good" include phrases like "completely good", "entirely good", or "perfectly good", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "wholly good"?

While grammatically correct, "wholly good" may sound overly formal in casual contexts. Choose a less formal alternative for everyday conversations.

How does "wholly good" differ from "mostly good"?

"Wholly good" implies complete and unadulterated goodness, while "mostly good" suggests that there are some minor drawbacks or negative aspects.