good
good — noun
1. Items that people buy, sell, or keep as their personal property.
Items that people buy, sell, or keep as their personal property.
The shop received a large delivery of kitchen goods early this morning.
collocation: leather/kitchen/household goods
Alessia packed her household goods into cardboard boxes before moving house.
All electronic goods in this store come with a two-year warranty.
Customs officers stopped the van to check whether the goods had been stolen.
passive: goods + be + past participle
- household goods
- leather goods
- electronic goods
- kitchen goods
- stolen goods
- dry goods
- merchandise
more formal; used in retail and business contexts
- products
focuses on items that have been manufactured
- wares
old-fashioned; used for items sold at markets or by street vendors
- services
non-physical work or help provided instead of objects
Grammar Patterns
goods + verb (plural)
Usage Note
Always used in the plural form 'goods'. Refers to physical items, not services or digital products.
Common Mistakes
2. Objects being moved from one place to another by train, truck, or ship — not peo
Objects being moved from one place to another by train, truck, or ship — not people.
A freight train carrying construction goods derailed near the river yesterday.
collocation: carry/transport goods by train/truck
The port handles thousands of tonnes of goods each month.
Nala's company ships perishable goods in refrigerated containers.
Railway workers loaded the goods onto flatbed wagons at dawn.
passive: goods + be + loaded/unloaded
- perishable goods
- construction goods
- heavy goods
- goods train
- goods vehicle
- passengers
people being transported, the opposite of goods in transport contexts
Grammar Patterns
goods + be + transported/carried/shipped
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense focuses on the movement and logistics of items rather than their commercial value. Often appears in transport, shipping, and logistics contexts. Frequently used with verbs like 'transport', 'carry', 'ship', 'load', and 'unload'.
3. Something that provides an advantage, helps a situation, or makes life better fo
Something that provides an advantage, helps a situation, or makes life better for someone.
Saira hoped the new policy would work for the good of the whole community.
pattern: for the good of + noun phrase
What is the good of owning a car if you cannot afford the petrol?
pattern: what's the good of + verb-ing
Ramón could see no good in continuing the argument any further.
pattern: see no good in + verb-ing
There is some good in every difficult situation if you look hard enough.
- for the good of
- what's the good of
- see no good in
- some good
- any good
- no good
- harm
damage or injury that results from an action
Grammar Patterns
the good of + noun phrase
what's the good of + verb-ing
for the good of + noun phrase
do + noun/pronoun + good
Usage Note
Often used in question or negative constructions: 'what's the good of…?' or 'there's no good in…'. The pattern 'for the good of + noun' emphasises benefit to a group or cause rather than an individual.
Common Mistakes
4. How physically strong and free from illness a person's body is, kept up through
How physically strong and free from illness a person's body is, kept up through proper diet, exercise, or rest.
Andrei walks five kilometres every morning for the good of his heart.
pattern: for the good of + body part/health
The doctor said that balanced meals work for the good of the whole body.
pattern: for the good of + body/health
Esme changed her sleeping habits for the good of her long-term energy levels.
Christopher exercises regularly because he cares about the good of his lungs.
- for the good of your health
- for the good of your body
- care about the good of
Grammar Patterns
the good of + possessive + health/body
for the good of + noun phrase
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 5: this sense refers to a stable state of health (you are already well), while sense 5 refers to an improvement or beneficial effect on health. Typically appears in the phrase 'for the good of one's health/body'.
5. Behaviour and principles that follow moral rules and are considered correct by s
Behaviour and principles that follow moral rules and are considered correct by society, often contrasted with evil.
The novel explores the ancient struggle between good and evil in every human heart.
fixed phrase: good and evil
Sayaka's faith teaches her to always choose good over wrongdoing in daily life.
Hiro works for a charity that promotes good in the poorest city areas.
Philosophers have debated the nature of good for more than two thousand years.
collocation: the nature of good
- good and evil
- the nature of good
- the struggle between good
- promote good
- choose good over
- virtue
focuses on a particular good quality or habit, rather than the abstract concept of moral goodness
- righteousness
strongly religious or moral tone; implies strict adherence to moral law
- morality
a system of principles rather than the quality of being good
- evil
the direct opposite; serious wrongdoing or moral wickedness
Grammar Patterns
the good
good and evil
good vs. evil
Usage Note
Frequently appears in philosophical, religious, and literary contexts. Often paired with 'evil' in the fixed phrase 'good and evil'. Cannot be used with a possessive determiner ('my good', 'their good') in this sense — use senses 3–5 for personal benefit.
Common Mistakes
6. people who live according to moral or religious principles, considered as a sing
people who live according to moral or religious principles, considered as a single group
In many religious traditions, the good are rewarded after death.
the + good as collective noun subject
The novel sets the good against the wicked in a battle for the kingdom.
the good vs. the wicked contrast
Adina believes that the good have a duty to help those who suffer.
The old folktale shows the good overcoming evil through courage and honesty.
- the good
- the good and the wicked
- the good and the bad
- the good and the evil
- the righteous
stronger religious or moral overtone, very formal
- the virtuous
more literary, emphasises personal moral discipline
- the just
focuses on fairness and justice rather than general morality
- the wicked
direct opposite; people who are morally bad
- the evil
stronger, implies harmful intent rather than simple moral failure
Grammar Patterns
the + good
Usage Note
Always used with the definite article 'the'. The verb that follows can be singular or plural, but plural is more common in modern English: 'the good are…' rather than 'the good is…'. This sense is most common in religious, philosophical, and literary contexts.
Common Mistakes
7. permanently, with no possibility of returning to a previous situation or state
permanently, with no possibility of returning to a previous situation or state
After fifteen years in Canada, the Watanabe family moved back to Japan for good.
for good meaning permanently
The old cinema closed its doors for good in 2019.
Élise told her roommate that she was leaving the apartment for good this time.
When the factory shut down for good, the whole town felt the loss.
- for good
- leave for good
- close for good
- go away for good
- be gone for good
- permanently
more formal; can be used in any position in a sentence
- forever
more emotional or dramatic register
- once and for all
emphasises finality after repeated attempts or changes
- temporarily
implies a limited period
- for now
suggests the situation may change soon
Grammar Patterns
for good
Usage Note
A fixed phrase — always use 'for good'. Cannot be shortened to just 'good' or expanded to 'for the good'. In informal British English, the longer form 'for good and all' is also possible, though less common. The phrase usually appears at the end of the clause.
Common Mistakes
do someone good
idiomTo have a positive effect on someone's health, mood, or general well-being.
Grandpa says that working in the garden every morning does him good.
A weekend away from the city would do you a lot of good.
the common good
idiomWhat is best for everyone in a society or group, rather than for individual people.
The new park was built for the common good of the whole neighbourhood.
Taxes are collected to pay for services that serve the common good.
no good
idiomCompletely useless, ineffective, or of unacceptable quality — a fixed expression used when something fails to serve its purpose.
Christopher tried three different keys, but none of them were any good.
That old laptop is no good for editing videos anymore.
Used to say that a particular action will not produce the desired result and is therefore pointless.
It is no good crying over a broken cup — just buy a new one.
It is no good telling Jack to hurry because he never listens.
up to no good
idiomDoing something bad, dishonest, or that someone else would disapprove of.
The security guard noticed two men acting suspiciously and guessed they were up to no good.
Whenever the children are quiet for too long, Quinn knows they are up to no good.
for good or bad
idiomRegardless of whether the result is positive or negative; used to accept an outcome without judging it.
For good or bad, the decision to move abroad changed the family forever.
Technology has shaped modern life, for good or bad.
To make a situation worse rather than better, especially despite good intentions.
Scratching a mosquito bite usually does more harm than good.
The manager's constant criticism did more harm than good to the team's confidence.
good — adjective
1. giving you a feeling of enjoyment, happiness, or satisfaction, because something
giving you a feeling of enjoyment, happiness, or satisfaction, because something is pleasant or of the kind you like.
The children had a good time at the park playing with their friends.
good + noun: good time
This is a really good book — I could not stop reading it.
be + good: describing a thing
We ate at a good restaurant near the harbour last night.
It was a good party with music, dancing, and good food.
good + noun: good food at a party
Adina had a good idea for the school project about recycling.
- good time
- good idea
- good food
- good book
- good feeling
- good day
- bad
the direct opposite in all contexts
- unpleasant
focuses on the opposite of a calm, agreeable feeling
Grammar Patterns
good + noun
be + good
feel + good
Usage Note
In everyday conversation, 'good' is the most common adjective for describing positive experiences. For stronger emphasis, use 'great', 'wonderful', or 'excellent'.
Common Mistakes
2. part of fixed phrases that people say to each other when saying farewell, includ
part of fixed phrases that people say to each other when saying farewell, including 'goodbye', 'good night', and 'have a good day'.
Esteban said goodbye to his classmates before leaving for summer break.
fixed phrase: 'said goodbye'
Have a good day, Dr. Chen — see you at your next appointment.
"Good night, children — it is time to sleep now," said the babysitter.
fixed expression: 'Good night' as farewell
The guests said their goodbyes and thanked the host for the lovely dinner.
- goodbye
- good night
- good day
- have a good day
- say goodbye
Grammar Patterns
good + noun (fixed expressions)
Usage Note
Except for 'goodbye' itself, these expressions use 'good' in front of a time-related noun (morning, afternoon, evening, night, day). 'Good morning/good afternoon/good evening' are used as greetings, not farewells.
Common Mistakes
3. in a condition where your body is working well and you have no illness, injury,
in a condition where your body is working well and you have no illness, injury, or pain.
After the medicine, the child felt good enough to eat a full meal.
feel + good: describing health
The vet said our cat is in good health and needs no treatment.
collocation: 'in good health'
You look good today — did you get more sleep last night?
Tendai felt good after his morning run around the park.
The doctor said my grandmother's heart is good for a woman her age.
pattern: 'good for [someone/something]' meaning sufficient
- feel good
- look good
- good health
- in good shape
- keep good
Grammar Patterns
be + good
feel + good
look + good
Usage Note
In this sense, 'good' is usually used after verbs like 'be', 'feel', 'look', or 'keep'. It is not commonly placed before a noun — 'healthy' or 'well' are more natural in attributive position (e.g., 'a healthy child' not 'a good child').
Common Mistakes
4. used as a short, informal reply when someone asks how you are, meaning that you
used as a short, informal reply when someone asks how you are, meaning that you are fine or feeling well.
"How are you today?" the nurse asked. "I'm good, thank you," said Sumin.
fixed reply: 'I'm good' to 'How are you?'
Whenever Josh meets a neighbour, he says, "I'm good — how about you?"
"How are you feeling today?" the nurse asked. "I am good, thanks," said Hoa.
greeting reply: 'I am good'
"How are your parents?" asked Anna. "They are good, thanks," replied Emily.
pattern: pronoun + 'good' as greeting reply
- I'm good
- feeling good
- doing good
Grammar Patterns
I'm good (in reply to 'How are you?')
Usage Note
This is an informal American usage that has become common worldwide. In more formal or traditional British English, 'I'm well, thank you' or 'I'm fine, thank you' are more common. Do NOT use this pattern to answer other questions — only as a reply to 'How are you?' or similar health/greeting questions.
Common Mistakes
5. made, built, or done to a high standard, so that it works well, lasts a long tim
made, built, or done to a high standard, so that it works well, lasts a long time, or gives good results.
These shoes are of good quality and lasted me for three years.
collocation: 'good quality'
The school is known for its good teaching and friendly staff.
Shirin bought a good camera that takes clear pictures even at night.
pattern: good + noun (camera) with result clause
His work is always good — he checks every detail before finishing.
Esteban used good wood for the table so it would not break easily.
- good quality
- good condition
- good work
- good teaching
- good material
- high-quality
more explicit about the standard; often used for manufactured products
- fine
slightly more formal; suggests delicate or careful workmanship
- excellent
stronger than 'good'; indicates top-level quality
Grammar Patterns
good + noun
be + good
Usage Note
When placed before a noun ('good shoes', 'good teaching'), this sense focuses on the object or activity meeting a standard. The exact standard depends on context — what counts as 'good' for a pair of shoes differs from what counts as 'good' for a camera.
Common Mistakes
6. said as an exclamation when you want to show that you approve of what someone ha
said as an exclamation when you want to show that you approve of what someone has done, achieved, or said.
"Good job, Niran — your English test score improved a lot!" said the teacher.
exclamation: 'Good job!' for praise
Hoa's piano teacher smiled and said, "Good! That piece sounds much better now."
When Apinya finished the race, her coach shouted, "Good work!"
exclamation: 'Good work!' for effort
"Good for you!" said Lara when her friend announced the promotion.
fixed phrase: 'Good for you!' expressing approval
- Good job!
- Good work!
- Good for you!
- Good!
Grammar Patterns
Good!
Good + noun!
Good for + noun/pronoun!
Usage Note
This sense is used as a single-word or short-phrase exclamation. Unlike other senses of 'good', it is not followed by a subject and verb — it stands alone as a reaction. 'Good for you' is slightly more personal, praising the person rather than the action.
Common Mistakes
❌ 'I got a promotion. — Good for you!' (correct, but very common in American English; in British English 'Well done!' is more typical)
7. having the ability to perform a particular task or activity to a high standard
having the ability to perform a particular task or activity to a high standard
Mizuki is very good at explaining difficult math problems to younger students.
good at + gerund for describing a skill
The new chef is good with knives and can chop vegetables very quickly.
good with + noun for handling something
Faisal has always been a good listener when his friends need advice.
good + noun as premodifier
Eve is good at remembering people's names even after meeting them once.
A good driver always checks the mirrors before changing lanes.
- good at + [skill/activity]
- good with + [people/tools]
- good + [noun role]
Grammar Patterns
good at [noun/gerund]
good with [noun]
good [noun] (premodifier)
Usage Note
Commonly paired with 'at' + gerund (good at swimming) for skills, or 'with' + noun (good with children) for handling people or objects. As a premodifier (a good teacher), the meaning focuses on competence rather than general quality.
Common Mistakes
8. describing a promising or favourable beginning to an activity, process, or perio
describing a promising or favourable beginning to an activity, process, or period of time
The restaurant got off to a good start as customers lined up on opening day.
get off to a good start — fixed phrase
Sivan made a good start on her essay and finished two pages before lunch.
make a good start on [something]
A light breakfast and some stretching is a good start to any busy morning.
a good start to [noun]
Paloma got off to a good start by arriving early and asking lots of questions.
- get off to a good start
- make a good start
- a good start to
- promising
similar but more formal; suggests future potential
- encouraging
focuses on the positive feelings the beginning creates
- bad start
direct opposite — a beginning that goes poorly
- rocky start
informal; a beginning full of problems
Grammar Patterns
get off to a good start
make a good start
a good start to [noun]
a good start on [noun]
Usage Note
Typically appears in set expressions: 'get off to a good start', 'make a good start', or 'a good start to/in/on'. Can be used with both activities (a project) and periods (a day, a year).
Common Mistakes
9. showing care and a willingness to help or treat others well
showing care and a willingness to help or treat others well
It was good of Élise to bring homemade soup when she heard I was sick.
good of [person] + infinitive for kind acts
Christopher is good about calling his grandmother every Sunday without fail.
good about [noun/gerund] for habitual kindness
The nurse was very good to the frightened child, holding his hand before the operation.
Jason's new neighbours have been good to him, helping him carry furniture up the stairs.
A good friend listens without judging and offers support when things go wrong.
- good to [person]
- good of [person]
- good about [thing]
- good friend
- kind
the closest synonym; describes someone's gentle and caring nature
- generous
emphasises giving freely, not just being nice
- thoughtful
focuses on considering others' needs in advance
Grammar Patterns
good to [person]
good of [person] to [verb]
good about [noun/gerund]
good friend
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 7 (GOOD AT): 'good to me' means 'kind towards me', while 'good at music' means 'skilled in music'. The phrase 'good of [person]' always looks back at something kind already done.
Common Mistakes
10. used in formal expressions when politely asking someone to do something for you
used in formal expressions when politely asking someone to do something for you
Would you be good enough to sign this document before you leave the office?
Would you be good enough to [verb] — polite request formula
Would you be so good as to close the window? The draught is rather strong.
Would you be so good as to [verb] — very formal variant
Would you be good enough to show me where the meeting room is?
Christopher asked if the receptionist would be so good as to call a taxi.
- be good enough to
- be so good as to
- kind enough
alternative phrasing: 'Would you be kind enough to…' — slightly less formal but still polite
Grammar Patterns
Would you be good enough to [verb]?
Would you be so good as to [verb]?
Could you be good enough to [verb]?
Usage Note
This is a fixed formal pattern. The two main formulas are 'Would you be good enough to…' and 'Would you be so good as to…'. Both are much more formal than 'Could you please…'. Rare in everyday American English; somewhat more common in British English in service settings.
Common Mistakes
11. describing a kind action carried out to help someone else, especially when recog
describing a kind action carried out to help someone else, especially when recognising or thanking them for it
It was good of Tuan to lend his bike to someone who missed the bus.
good of [person] + infinitive — looking back at a kind act
Thank you for helping me with the shopping bags — that was really good of you.
that was good of you — thanking someone
Jason said it was good of his aunt to water his plants while he travelled.
The librarian was very good and stayed late so that David could finish his research.
- good of [person] to
- was/were good of you/him/her/them
- ungrateful
not exactly opposite — describes the recipient, not the act
Grammar Patterns
good of [person] to [verb]
that is/was good of [person]
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 10 (KIND): sense 10 describes a person's general character ('She is good to her parents'), while sense 12 refers to a specific kind action that has already happened ('It was good of her to drive him home'). Sense 12 commonly follows expressions of thanks or praise.
Common Mistakes
12. describing actions or people that align with moral, honest, or religious standar
describing actions or people that align with moral, honest, or religious standards of right and wrong.
Christopher believes it is good to help people who are in need.
pattern: it is good to + verb
The charity does good work by providing meals for homeless families.
Imran refused to lie in court because he wanted to do the right thing.
collocation: good deed / do good
Many religious texts teach people how to live a good and honest life.
Wei's good deeds were noticed by everyone in the neighbourhood.
collocation: good deeds
- good deed
- good works
- good life
- good cause
- common good
Grammar Patterns
it + be + good + to-infinitive
good + noun
Usage Note
Common in discussions of ethics, religion, and personal character. Frequently appears in fixed phrases such as 'good deeds', 'good works', and 'the common good'.
Common Mistakes
13. having a helpful or positive result, especially for a person's physical health o
having a helpful or positive result, especially for a person's physical health or well-being.
Eating fresh vegetables every day is good for your overall health.
pattern: good for + health/you
Fresh air and daily exercise are good for you.
The doctor said the medicine would be good for my cold.
collocation: good for [ailment]
A short walk after lunch is good for the mind and body.
Drinking enough water is good for your skin and energy levels.
- good for
- good for your health
- good for you
- beneficial
more formal; used in scientific or professional writing
- healthy
specifically about physical well-being
- helpful
broader; not limited to health
Grammar Patterns
good for + noun phrase
good + noun
Usage Note
Almost always followed by 'for' + noun phrase. The object is typically something related to health, well-being, or improvement. Very common in everyday advice and medical contexts.
Common Mistakes
14. describing a child or animal that behaves in a polite, obedient, or well-mannere
describing a child or animal that behaves in a polite, obedient, or well-mannered way.
Alessia was a good girl and finished all her vegetables.
collocation: good girl / good boy / good dog
The teacher praised the good students for sitting quietly.
Hamza's mother told him to be good while she was at work.
common request: be good
The dog was very good during the long car ride.
Be a good boy and help your grandmother carry her bags.
- good boy
- good girl
- good dog
- be good
- well-behaved
more formal; sounds more adult
- obedient
stresses following rules or orders
- polite
focuses on manners rather than obedience
Grammar Patterns
good + noun (child, boy, girl, dog)
Usage Note
Very common when speaking to or about children and pets, especially as a polite command ('Be good!'). Also used in parent–teacher contexts. Close synonym: 'well-behaved'.
15. describes a person, item, or financial product that you can depend on because it
describes a person, item, or financial product that you can depend on because it performs well and does not let you down.
Ezra is a good friend who always keeps his promises.
collocation: good friend
My car is old, but it is a good one and starts every morning.
The bank requires a good credit history to approve a loan.
financial context: good credit
Hassan gave me some good advice that I still follow today.
A good investment can grow your savings over many years.
financial context: good investment
- good friend
- good advice
- good credit
- good investment
- good reputation
- reliable
direct synonym with focus on dependability
- trustworthy
stresses that someone will not cheat or lie
- sound
more formal; often for financial judgment
- unreliable
cannot be depended on
- bad
general opposite; 'bad debt'
Grammar Patterns
good + noun (friend, advice, investment, credit)
Usage Note
Common in financial contexts (good credit, good investment, good risk) and interpersonal contexts (good friend, good word). Frequently used in business and banking. Distinguish from sense 15 (BEHAVIOUR), which is about obedience rather than trustworthiness.
16. well-suited to a specific need, use, or person — fitting the situation in a way
well-suited to a specific need, use, or person — fitting the situation in a way that works well.
This park is a good place for a picnic near the river.
collocation: good place for
Do you know a good time to call the dentist for an appointment?
collocation: good time to
Is this a good moment to ask the manager about a raise?
The hotel is a good choice for families with young children.
collocation: good choice for
A warm coat is good for hiking in cold mountain weather.
- good time
- good place
- good choice
- good idea
- good for
- suitable
direct synonym; slightly more formal
- appropriate
emphasises correctness for the occasion
- convenient
focuses on time or ease of use
- unsuitable
not right for the purpose
- inappropriate
wrong in a social or practical sense
Grammar Patterns
good + noun (time, place, idea)
good for + noun phrase
Usage Note
Often followed by 'for' (good for hiking) or paired with a noun (good time, good place, good idea). Very common in everyday suggestions and recommendations. Compare with sense 14 (POSITIVE) — sense 14 is about health benefit, while sense 17 is about appropriateness for a purpose.
Common Mistakes
17. placed before a noun to stress that the quantity, size, or level is notably big
placed before a noun to stress that the quantity, size, or level is notably big — found in set expressions such as 'a good many' and 'a good deal'.
There were a good many people waiting at the station for the delayed train.
fixed phrase: a good many + plural noun
Inês spent a good deal of time preparing for her final exams.
fixed phrase: a good deal of + uncountable noun
A good number of students signed up for the new cooking class this term.
fixed phrase: a good number of
We walked a good distance before finding a place to rest for the night.
Eri has a good few years of experience working in that hospital.
fixed phrase: a good few
- a good many
- a good deal of
- a good number of
- a good few
- a good distance
- considerable
more formal; can be used in similar ways
- substantial
formal; emphasises importance of the amount
- significant
focuses on the impact rather than just quantity
Grammar Patterns
a good + noun (many, deal, number, few, distance)
Usage Note
Only used before a noun or in fixed phrases. Cannot be used alone (*'The amount was good' in this sense). The key patterns are 'a good many' (countable), 'a good deal of' (uncountable), 'a good number of', and 'a good few'. These are relatively formal and common in written English.
Common Mistakes
18. used in the phrase 'a good deal' to mean 'a lot' or 'to a large degree' — descri
used in the phrase 'a good deal' to mean 'a lot' or 'to a large degree' — describing how much something has changed, improved, or differs from another thing.
Samir likes his new job a good deal more than his last one downtown.
adverbial phrase: a good deal = much / a lot
Things have changed a good deal since Soraya started working at the hospital.
Eleni's spoken French improved a good deal after she lived in Lyon for a year.
The cost of housing has gone up a good deal in the past few years.
- a good deal more
- a good deal better
- a good deal less
- changed a good deal
- a lot
more common in everyday speech; less formal
- a great deal
slightly stronger and more formal than 'a good deal'
- considerably
formal; often used in written academic or business English
Grammar Patterns
a good deal (as adverb = much / a lot)
Usage Note
Only used in the fixed phrase 'a good deal'. Cannot be shortened to just 'good' in this sense (*'I like it good' does not mean 'a lot'). Functions as an adverb, so it modifies verbs (changed a good deal) or comparative adjectives (a good deal more).
Common Mistakes
19. placed before a unit of time, distance, or weight to stress that the actual amou
placed before a unit of time, distance, or weight to stress that the actual amount is at least as large as stated — and probably a little more.
The train station is a good twenty-minute walk from Ari's apartment.
pattern: a good + distance phrase
Omar waited a good forty-five minutes for the bus to arrive this morning.
The river was a good three miles wide at its widest point.
Baraka has a good ten years of experience in the travel industry.
- a good hour
- a good mile
- a good ten years
- a good fifty dollars
Grammar Patterns
a good + measurement noun (hour, mile, pound, ten years)
Usage Note
Always followed by a specific measurement or quantity — not used with vague nouns (*'a good amount of time'). Common with time (a good hour), distance (a good mile), weight (a good five pounds), price (a good fifty dollars), and duration of experience (a good ten years). The tone is slightly informal.
Common Mistakes
20. An exclamation that conveys your delight at how events turned out or your accept
An exclamation that conveys your delight at how events turned out or your acceptance of someone's statement.
"The hotel has a pool." "Good, the kids will love that."
exclamation of agreement: 'Good, [situation detail]'
We have enough food for everyone? Good, then we can start cooking.
Good, everyone is ready. We can leave now to get to the cinema.
'The movie starts at eight.' 'Good, we still have time for dinner first.'
Grammar Patterns
Good! (as exclamation)
Common Mistakes
❌ 'Good, you finally understand the problem.' (sarcastic tone confuses the learner). — Used genuinely, 'Good!' expresses real satisfaction. In writing, be careful with tone; sarcastic 'Good' can sound dismissive.
21. a polite spoken expression indicating that you need nothing more at the moment —
a polite spoken expression indicating that you need nothing more at the moment — you already have what you want and require nothing extra.
Do you need any more tea, Sayaka? No, I am good, thank you.
polite refusal: be good = have enough
Antonia said she was good with the meeting time and did not want any changes.
We asked if the children needed more food, but they said they were good.
'Would you like some more dessert, Élise?' 'No thanks, I am good for now.'
- be good
- be good with
- be good for now
- I'd like some more
the opposite — asking for additional things
Grammar Patterns
be good
be good with + noun
be good for + noun
Usage Note
Common as a polite refusal in service contexts (waiters, shop assistants, hosts). 'I'm good' is less formal than 'No, thank you' and sounds more natural in casual conversation. Also appears as 'be good with' meaning 'be satisfied with' arrangements.
Common Mistakes
a good deal
idioma large amount of something, or a situation that benefits you financially.
A good deal of the money raised will go towards building a new library.
We got a good deal on the car because it was last year's model.
all in good time
idiomused to tell someone to be patient because what they want will happen when the time is right.
"When will you teach me to cook?" "All in good time, my dear."
almost the same as something; very close to a particular state or result.
With that injury, the match is as good as lost.
The contract is as good as signed — we just need one more signature.
for good
idiompermanently, with no plan to return or change.
After twenty years in the city, the family moved to the countryside for good.
The factory closed for good last year, leaving many people without jobs.
good and ...
idiomused before an adjective to emphasize that something is completely in that state.
Make sure the meat is good and cooked before you serve it.
good old ...
idiomused to refer to someone or something you have known for a long time and feel fondness for.
Good old Sarah — she always knows how to cheer us up.
There's nothing like a good old cup of tea on a rainy afternoon.
in good time
idiomearly enough; with enough time to spare.
Please arrive at the airport in good time for your flight.
The homework was handed in good time, before the deadline.
not good enough
idiomnot reaching the required standard or expectation, often implying disappointment or the need for improvement.
His explanation for being late was simply not good enough.
The quality of this report is not good enough for a final submission.
to the good
idiomhaving more money or a more positive result than expected.
After selling the old furniture, we were a hundred dollars to the good.
up to no good
idiomdoing something bad or dishonest.
The children were quiet for too long, so their mother knew they were up to no good.
I saw a stranger near the cars — I think he was up to no good.
used to ask what purpose or benefit something has.
What is the good of buying a fancy camera if you never use it?
as good as
idiomAlmost or very nearly, but not completely.
The project is as good as finished now.
He as good as admitted he was wrong.
as good as it gets
idiomUsed to say that a situation will not improve beyond its current state.
The weather today is as good as it gets in winter.
This hotel is as good as it gets for the price.
be good to go
idiomTo be fully prepared and ready to start or use.
The car is fixed and good to go.
After breakfast, we were good to go for the hike.
good and…
idiomUsed before an adjective to mean completely or very.
I'll leave when I'm good and ready.
The soup is good and hot now.
a good few
idiomA fairly large number of; several.
A good few students missed the bus this morning.
There are a good few books on that shelf.
Used to express praise or approval for someone's achievement.
You finished the marathon? Good for you!
She got the job. Good for her!
a good many
idiomA large number of; many.
A good many people attended the concert.
We have a good many tasks to complete today.
good — adverb
1. in spoken conversation, used informally instead of 'well' to say that someone do
in spoken conversation, used informally instead of 'well' to say that someone does something successfully or to a satisfactory standard
Yael did good on the science test and got the highest score in class.
do + good for perform well (informal)
The new intern is doing good at her job, so the boss is happy with her work.
If the stove works good after the repair, we can cook dinner tonight.
verb + good (works good) replacing works well
Did Owen do good in the swimming competition last weekend?
question form: did + subject + do good
Adaeze sang good at the concert, and the audience cheered loudly.
- do good
- work good
- play good
- run good
- come out good
- badly
the opposite meaning — performing poorly or unsatisfactorily
Grammar Patterns
do + good (informal)
verb + good (informal)
Usage Note
This use of 'good' as an adverb is limited to casual spoken English. In formal writing, academic essays, and most exams, use 'well' instead of 'good'.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- goodnessnounB1
- goodlyadjectiveC1
- goodishadjectiveC2
- goodynounB2
- good-heartedadjectiveB2
- good-naturedadjectiveB2
- good-for-nothingadjectiveC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: adjective/1
Good is the most general and frequent positive adjective, usable in almost any context — from meals ('a good dinner') to people ('a good friend') to experiences ('a good time'). Nice is more informal and vaguer, often used when you have nothing specific to praise but want to be polite ('a nice day', 'she seems nice'); it lacks the strength of good in evaluating quality or skill. Fine suggests adequate but not outstanding quality — 'a fine meal' is acceptable but not necessarily memorable; it can also sound reserved or lukewarm ('I'm fine' = neutral). Great is stronger and more enthusiastic than good, common in casual conversation to express excitement ('a great movie', 'that's great news!). Excellent is the most formal and emphatic of the group, used for top-level quality in academic, professional, or careful writing ('excellent results', 'an excellent performance'). Pleasant focuses on subjective comfort and agreeableness rather than objective quality, making it suitable for describing atmospheres, weather, or mild social experiences ('a pleasant walk', 'a pleasant smile'). In everyday spoken English, good covers most situations; upgrade to great for enthusiasm and to excellent for formal praise.
Common collocations
Nouns
- good idea
- good point
- good question
- good news
- good reason
- good time
- good job
- good luck
- good morning
- good afternoon
- good evening
- good night
- good start
- good health
- good quality
- good work
- good friend
- good example
- good sense
- good deed
Adverbs
- very good
- pretty good
- really good
- quite good
- fairly good
- remarkably good
Phrases
- no good
- for good
- a good deal
- a good many
- a good number of
- a good few
- a good hour/mile/ten years
- good and ready
- good and proper
- as good as
- in good time
- up to no good
- to the good
Prepositions
- good at
- good for
- good with
- good to
- good about
- good of
Etymology
Good comes from Old English gōd, which goes back to Proto-Germanic *gōdaz. The ancient root is shared with words meaning 'to bring together' or 'to fit' — suggesting that something 'good' was originally understood as something well-suited or fitting for its purpose. Related words in other Germanic languages include German gut and Dutch goed. In Old English, gōd also served as a noun meaning 'virtue' or 'benefit', a dual use that survives in modern English (compare 'do good' and 'a good deed').