with good grace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with good grace" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who accepts something, often an unpleasant situation, in a calm and polite manner. Example: "Even after receiving criticism, she accepted the feedback with good grace and thanked her colleagues for their input."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He took it with good grace.

The New York Times

He always did this with good grace.

The Guardian

Langley accepts it all with good grace.

The Guardian

I try and take these things with good grace.

The New York Times

"Mr Turner accepted that apology with good grace.

Independent

But he did it with good grace, and we gelled.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He's taken it with good grace and humour and stoicism.

The Guardian - Books

A chastened Reed departed with good grace – then collapsed.

The Guardian

To his credit, Hitz took the punishment with good grace.

The Guardian - Sport

This audience take their diva's every liberty with good grace.

The Guardian - Music

However we must accept the decision with good grace".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone accepting a defeat or setback, use "with good grace" to show that they handled the situation maturely and respectfully. This adds a layer of sophistication to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "with good grace" when describing actions that simply demonstrate basic politeness. The phrase is better reserved for situations where the acceptance involves a degree of difficulty or disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with good grace" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates how someone accepts or handles a situation. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "with good grace" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's positive and polite acceptance of a challenging or unfavorable situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and applicable across different registers, though it most frequently appears in News & Media. When using "with good grace", ensure the context involves some level of difficulty or disappointment to fully capture its intended meaning. Remember to consider alternatives like "graciously", "with dignity", or "with composure" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

graciously

This single-word adverb directly captures the essence of acting "with good grace", offering a more concise alternative.

with dignity

Emphasizes maintaining self-respect and composure, especially in challenging circumstances.

with composure

Focuses on maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor, particularly under pressure.

amiably

Highlights a friendly and pleasant manner of acceptance, adding a touch of warmth.

magnanimously

Suggests a generous and forgiving spirit in accepting something, especially a defeat or slight.

with equanimity

Emphasizes emotional stability and calmness when facing difficulties or setbacks.

in a sportsmanlike manner

Implies fairness, respect, and acceptance of the outcome, particularly in competitive situations.

with a good attitude

Focuses on maintaining a positive outlook, emphasizing a proactive and optimistic response.

without complaint

Highlights the absence of negativity or opposition when accepting something, emphasizing stoicism.

stoically

Highlights the ability to endure hardship without showing feelings or complaining.

FAQs

How can I use "with good grace" in a sentence?

You can use "with good grace" to describe how someone accepts a difficult or disappointing situation calmly and politely. For instance, "She accepted the criticism "with good grace" and thanked the team for their feedback."

What are some alternatives to saying "with good grace"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "graciously", "with dignity", or "with composure" instead of "with good grace".

Is it correct to say someone "accepted the loss with good grace"?

Yes, it is correct. Using "with good grace" implies that the person handled the loss maturely and without complaint. It highlights their positive attitude in a challenging situation.

What is the difference between accepting something "with good grace" versus accepting it "reluctantly"?

Accepting something "with good grace" means doing so politely and without showing displeasure, even if you are unhappy about it. Accepting it reluctantly means doing so unwillingly, showing that you are not happy with the situation.