Meaning & use
a good read
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Meanings
phrasesingularinformal
A book, article, or other text that is enjoyable and interesting to read.
Grammar: Usually used with 'a' or 'the': 'It was a good read.' Not used in the plural.
Patterns
- be a good read
- make a good read
- a good read for someone
Her new novel is a good read for a long flight.
The report is surprisingly a good read, full of clear stories.
If you like history, this biography is a good read.
phrasesingularinformal
Used to describe something that is pleasant or satisfying to read, often said of a piece of writing.
Grammar: Often used after 'be' or 'make': 'The blog makes a good read.'
Patterns
- make a good read
- be a good read for someone
The letters from the war make a good read because they are so personal.
His column is always a good read on Sunday morning.
Common combinations
- a good read for
- This magazine is a good read for anyone interested in science.
- make a good read
- The diary makes a good read even though it was written quickly.
- an easy read
- The book is an easy read, perfect for beginners.
- a great read
- Her latest mystery is a great read from start to finish.
Synonyms and how they differ
- page-turner
- A page-turner is so exciting you cannot stop reading; a good read is simply enjoyable, not necessarily thrilling.
- an enjoyable read
- A more formal way to say the same thing; 'a good read' is more casual.
Opposites
Commonly confused: a good read or a good reader?
a good read vs a good reader
A good reader is a person who reads well; a good read is a text that is enjoyable.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'a good read' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'A good read' describes a text that is enjoyable to read, so a novel fits. The first option talks about a movie, not a text; the third confuses it with 'a good reader'; the fourth is about usefulness, not enjoyment.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a good read”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.