In Good Terms vs. On Good Terms – Which is Correct?
The correct expression is on good terms, meaning that people have a friendly or respectful relationship. In good terms is not the standard idiom for this meaning and usually results from blending on good terms with phrases such as in terms of. Use on in careful writing and professional communication.
In Good Terms or On Good Terms—Which Is Correct?
On good terms is the standard English expression. It describes a friendly, peaceful, or cooperative relationship between people, groups, or organizations.
In good terms is generally incorrect when you mean that people have a positive relationship. The error most likely comes from confusing on good terms with the valid expression in terms of. Although in good terms may occasionally appear as a nonstandard variation, it should be avoided in formal, academic, and professional writing.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the “relationship is a position” trick: people are on good terms, just as they are on friendly terms or on speaking terms. The preposition in belongs in expressions such as in terms of cost or in good condition, but not in this relationship idiom.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| in good terms | Nonstandard phrase in this meaning | Not the usual expression for a friendly relationship | Avoid: “The former colleagues are in good terms.” |
| on good terms | Prepositional phrase | Having a friendly or respectful relationship | “The former colleagues are on good terms.” |
How to Use On Good Terms
On good terms is a fixed prepositional phrase used after a linking verb, especially be, remain, stay, or get. It usually refers to a relationship that is friendly, cooperative, or free from serious conflict. The phrase is suitable for both casual and formal communication.
It can describe relationships between individuals, families, coworkers, companies, political groups, or countries. The related expression on friendly terms is often slightly warmer, while on speaking terms means that people are willing to speak to each other, even if they are not especially close.
Example 1: Although they ended their business partnership, the two founders remain on good terms.
Example 2: The neighbors resolved their disagreement and are now on good terms again.
Example 3: Our company has been on good terms with the local community for many years.
Etymology of the Phrase On Good Terms
The phrase uses terms in the sense of conditions or the nature of a relationship. English has long used on terms to describe the level or conditions of interaction between people. The adjective good indicates that the relationship is friendly, respectful, or harmonious. Similar expressions include on equal terms, on friendly terms, and on speaking terms.
Related Concepts
Understanding fixed prepositional phrases and related idioms makes it easier to choose the correct preposition in on good terms.
- Fixed phrase: A fixed phrase is a group of words commonly used in a particular grammatical form. Because its wording is established through usage, changing the preposition can make the expression sound incorrect or unnatural.
- Prepositional phrase: On good terms begins with the preposition on and functions as a description of a relationship. The phrase commonly follows verbs such as be, stay, and remain.
- Related idioms: English also uses on friendly terms, on speaking terms, and on bad terms. These expressions all retain the preposition on.
- Preposition confusion: The phrase in terms of is correct when introducing a subject or basis of comparison, as in “The proposal is affordable in terms of cost.” It does not replace on in on good terms.
Examples from Media and Literature
The following examples illustrate natural contexts in which on good terms is used to describe relationships. They are model sentences inspired by familiar literary and media situations, not quotations from the original works.
- Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: A discussion of family relationships could explain that two characters eventually become on good terms after overcoming an early misunderstanding.
- Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol: The story’s transformation can be described by saying that Scrooge becomes on good terms with the people around him after changing his behavior.
- Workplace dramas: A former supervisor and employee may remain on good terms after one of them accepts a position at another company.
- News reporting: A report about diplomatic relations might state that two neighboring countries are attempting to remain on good terms despite a disagreement.
On Good Terms Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| On friendly terms | Having a warm, amicable, or cordial relationship |
| Amicable | Peaceful and cooperative, especially after a disagreement |
| Friendly | Showing kindness, goodwill, or positive feelings |
| On speaking terms | Willing to communicate, usually after a period of conflict |
| In harmony | Existing peacefully or agreeably with another person or group |
| Getting along | Having a comfortable or cooperative relationship |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “in good terms” grammatically correct?
Not usually. When describing a friendly relationship, the standard expression is on good terms. Use in terms of when referring to a particular aspect, such as cost, quality, or performance.
Question 2: What does “on good terms” mean?
It means having a friendly, respectful, or cooperative relationship with someone. For example, “Despite their disagreement, they are still on good terms.”
Question 3: Is “on good terms” formal or informal?
On good terms works in both casual and formal writing. It is appropriate for everyday conversation, workplace communication, journalism, academic writing, and professional correspondence.
Question 4: What is the opposite of “on good terms”?
Common opposites include on bad terms, at odds, estranged, and not getting along.
Conclusion
Use on good terms when you mean that people have a friendly, peaceful, or respectful relationship. Avoid in good terms in this context because it blends two different expressions: on good terms and in terms of. Pro Tip: Choosing established idioms accurately strengthens your credibility and protects your professional reputation.
