good deal

good deal — idiom

1. a large amount or degree of a particular thing, used to say that there is a sign

1.idiomB1
Definition

a large amount or degree of a particular thing, used to say that there is a significant quantity or that something happens to a great extent — for example, a good deal of time or a good deal more expensive

Example

Takeshi spent a good deal of time helping his grandmother with the garden every weekend.

a good deal of + uncountable noun (time)

The new hospital project required a good deal of money and support from local donors.

a good deal of + abstract noun (money/support)

Common collocations
  • a good deal of + time
  • a good deal of + money
  • a good deal of + effort
  • a good deal of + attention
  • a good deal of + experience
Synonyms
  • a lot

    more common in everyday speech, same basic meaning

  • a great deal

    slightly more formal in tone, interchangeable with 'a good deal'

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

a good deal of + noun

a good deal + comparative adjective/adverb

Usage Note

Always used with the article 'a'. Often followed by 'of' before a noun phrase (a good deal of time/money). Can also directly modify comparative adjectives and adverbs: a good deal better, a good deal faster. Typically used with uncountable nouns rather than countable plurals.

Common Mistakes

I have good deal of books.
I have a good deal of books.
The article 'a' is always required before 'good deal'.
There were a good deal of people.
There were a good many people.
'A good deal of' is typically used with uncountable nouns, not countable plurals.

Etymology

First known use

12th century

12th century, in the meaning defined above