your good selves

USAGE SUMMARY

'your good selves' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize the importance of someone; for example, "We are grateful to all of you, your good selves, for your generous contributions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's nothing to do with the person in question, least of all your good selves, ladies and gentlemen of the academy," he says to us gravely, before loping off into the night.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Like your good self, I dislike being manipulated by the text.

The Guardian - Books

Hence, we request your good self to advise us immediately on the future course of action in this regard.

Independent

He's only marginally more successful and knows only slightly less about football than your good self".

The Guardian - Sport

We get 20 or 30 guys, and it might be interesting for your good self to catch us while we're still alive.

The New York Times

"Not only because you weren't around but because as a result of your absence I had to rely on the truly abysmal imitation of your good self on Sky Sports for my cricket updates".

The Guardian - Sport

JS I'm sorry I haven't been converted to the merits of a blazer – either while enjoying a stroll on an expenses-paid trip to the Cannes Croisette, like your good self, or in the evening, indoors watching TV.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In the meantime I'll redirect my emails to your good self, if anything important comes in can you tell them I'm fumbling at the school disco or something.

The Guardian - Sport

Or the scientist has money but has already offered it to other scientists, whom he or she deemed worthy of an actual financial commitment, in contrast to your good self.

Science Magazine

Well, now, people come in -- like your good self just said... I don't take offense to it, but, "You do heavy, dramatic films".

Huffington Post

His new book, The upside of your dark side: Why being your whole self -- not just your "good" self -- drives success and fulfillment is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Booksamillion, Powell's or Indie Bound.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "your good selves" in formal speeches or written addresses to add a touch of old-fashioned respect and politeness.

Common error

Avoid using "your good selves" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it may sound affected or overly formal. Opt for more natural phrases like "you all" or "everyone" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "your good selves" functions as a formal possessive pronoun followed by adjectives and a reflexive pronoun, used to address a group of people with respect. It's a way to acknowledge the individuals present and show politeness. Ludwig AI provides examples indicating it is used in various contexts, including formal speeches and addresses.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "your good selves" is a formal phrase used to address a group with respect, as indicated by the limited examples found by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct, but its usage is rare in modern English, primarily appearing in formal addresses or speeches. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and formal nature. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for contexts where a high degree of formality and respect is intended, and to consider more common alternatives like "ladies and gentlemen" or "everyone" in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

your esteemed selves

Replaces "good" with "esteemed", increasing the level of formality and respect.

your kind selves

Replaces "good" with "kind", focusing on the benevolent nature of the individuals.

your worthy selves

Substitutes "good" with "worthy", highlighting the merit and value of the people being addressed.

distinguished guests

Emphasizes the importance and status of the people being addressed, increasing the formality.

you good people

Rephrases the possessive and reflexive structure into a direct address, keeping a similar level of formality.

honored company

A very formal and respectful way to address a group, suggesting a high degree of esteem.

ladies and gentlemen

A classic formal address, replacing the general term with a gender-specific alternative.

everyone present

A more descriptive phrase, specifying that the address is for those who are currently present.

those of you here

Similar to "everyone present", but slightly more informal and conversational.

all of you

A simple and direct way to address a group, lacking the formality and emphasis of the original.

FAQs

How can I use "your good selves" in a sentence?

"Your good selves" is often used in formal speeches or addresses. For instance, "I extend my gratitude to "your good selves" for attending this important event".

What are some alternatives to "your good selves"?

Alternatives include more common phrases like "ladies and gentlemen", "esteemed guests", or simply "everyone", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "your good selves" appropriate for informal communication?

No, "your good selves" is generally too formal for informal communication. Simpler alternatives like "you all" or "everyone" are more suitable in those settings.

What is the origin of the phrase "your good selves"?

The phrase "your good selves" has roots in older, more formal English. It's a way of addressing a group with respect, though it's less common in contemporary usage compared to more direct alternatives.