Good News vs. A Good News – Which is Correct?
In the perennial debate over correct English usage, the phrase “good news” stands as the grammatically sound choice. The addition of the indefinite article “a” before “good news,” forming “a good news,” is incorrect in standard modern English. This distinction hinges on the nature of the noun “news,” which is consistently treated as an uncountable noun.
Good News or A Good News – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase is “good news.” The phrase “a good news” is grammatically incorrect. The core reason for this lies in the noun “news” itself. In English, “news” is an uncountable noun, similar to words like “information,” “advice,” or “water.” Uncountable nouns do not take indefinite articles (“a” or “an”) before them. Therefore, adding “a” to “good news” is a common grammatical error stemming from a misunderstanding of noun countability.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To easily remember the difference, apply a simple “swap test.” Think of other uncountable nouns like “information” or “advice.” You would never say “an information” or “an advice.” Instead, you say “good information” or “some advice.” Since “news” functions in the same way, the correct construction is “good news,” not “a good news.” If you can’t put “a” or “an” in front of a similar concept, you likely can’t put it in front of “news” either.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| good news | Uncountable Noun Phrase | Positive information or reports | That’s good news for the whole team! |
| a good news | Grammatically Incorrect Usage | Incorrect form of “good news” due to misuse of the indefinite article | (Avoid this usage) |
How to Use Good News
“Good news” is a common and versatile phrase used to convey positive information or reports. As an uncountable noun phrase, it always takes a singular verb and does not typically use indefinite articles (a/an). It can be used in both formal and casual contexts, making it a staple in everyday communication and professional discourse. To quantify “news,” one might use terms like “some,” “a piece of,” or “much.”
Example 1: The recent discovery of a new vaccine is truly good news for global health.
Example 2: I have some good news to share about your promotion, which will be effective starting July 1st, 2026.
Example 3: After a long period of uncertainty, the company received good news regarding its latest product launch.
Etymology of the word Good News
The phrase “good news” combines two distinct words with rich histories. The word “good” originates from Old English “gōd,” tracing back to Proto-Germanic “*gōdaz,” meaning “fitting, suitable, desirable.” The word “news” developed from Middle English “newes,” which was initially the plural of “newe” (meaning “new thing”). This, in turn, derived from the Old French “nouvelles” and ultimately from the Latin “nova” (meaning “new things”). Over time, in English, “news” evolved to be treated as a singular, uncountable noun, despite its plural-like ‘s’ ending, leading to the grammatical rules we observe today.
Related Concepts
Understanding a broader grammar concept often provides clarity on specific usage questions like “good news” versus “a good news.” The key concepts here revolve around noun types and article usage.
- Uncountable Nouns: These are nouns that cannot be counted individually and do not have a plural form. They refer to a mass or a concept rather than distinct items (e.g., water, information, advice, furniture, news). Uncountable nouns are always treated as singular and do not take indefinite articles (“a” or “an”).
- Indefinite Articles: The articles “a” and “an” are used before singular, countable nouns. “A” is used before words starting with a consonant sound, and “an” is used before words starting with a vowel sound. Since “news” is uncountable, it does not fit the criteria for using “a” or “an.”
Examples from Media and Literature
The correct usage of “good news” is prevalent across various forms of media and literature:
- “This is good news for all of us, especially considering the challenges we’ve faced recently.” – *The New York Times*, June 2026
- “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be to all people.” – *Luke 2:10 (King James Bible)*
- “The arrival of spring flowers was always good news to the inhabitants of the small village after a long winter.” – From a contemporary novel
- “Any good news from the negotiations?” asked the reporter, anticipating a breakthrough. – A recent news broadcast transcript
- “It’s good news that the patient is responding well to treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.” – A medical journal article
Good News Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Positive update | Favorable or encouraging information about a situation. |
| Encouraging report | A communication or statement that inspires hope or confidence. |
| Welcome tidings | News or information that is received with pleasure and relief. |
| Favorable development | A positive change or progression in a situation or event. |
| Glad tidings | Joyful or happy news, often with a slightly archaic or formal tone. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can you say “a news”?
No, “news” is an uncountable noun in English. You cannot use the indefinite article “a” or “an” directly before it. Instead, you would typically say “some news” or “a piece of news” to quantify it.
Question 2: Is “news” singular or plural?
Despite ending in ‘s’, “news” is always treated as a singular, uncountable noun. For example, you would correctly say, “The news is exciting,” rather than “The news are exciting.”
Question 3: How do you quantify “news”?
To specify an amount or individual item of “news,” you can use quantifiers or partitive phrases. Common options include “some news,” “a piece of news,” “an item of news,” or “much news.” For example, “I have a piece of good news for you about the project’s progress.”
Conclusion
In summary, when referring to positive information or reports, “good news” is the unequivocally correct phrase. The addition of the indefinite article “a” to form “a good news” is a grammatical error, as “news” functions as an uncountable noun in English. Remembering that “news” behaves like “information” or “advice” can help solidify the correct usage. Pro Tip: Mastering the nuances of countable and uncountable nouns, especially with common terms like “news,” significantly enhances your professional communication and credibility.
