Definition

Adverb To a very great degree or extent; a large amount. It is used to emphasize the intensity, quantity, or frequency of something.

Usage

"a good deal" is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a large degree or amount. It is synonymous with phrases like "very much," "a lot," or "a great deal." It often appears at the end of a sentence or clause.

Examples

• This new information helps a good deal. (It helps very much.)
• She is a good deal more experienced than I am. (She is much more experienced.)
• The project cost a good deal more than we expected. (It cost a lot more.)
• I miss my family a good deal. (I miss them very much.)

Advanced Usage

• "a good deal of" + [uncountable noun]: This variant is used before an uncountable noun to mean "a large amount of."
  • The job requires a good deal of patience. (It requires a large amount of patience.)
  • He has a good deal of money invested. (He has a lot of money invested.)

Variants and Related Words

• a great deal: Functionally identical to "a good deal" in both adverbial and noun-phrase forms. ("It matters a great deal." / "a great deal of effort")
• a lot: A more common and informal synonym. ("Thanks a lot." / "a lot of people")
• very much: A common synonym, especially for modifying verbs. ("I appreciate it very much.")

Synonyms

Considerably, significantly, substantially, enormously, tremendously.

Related Phrases

• to a great/good extent: Similar in meaning, often used in more formal analysis. ("My opinion was shaped to a great extent by that experience.")
• by a good deal: Used in comparisons to indicate a clear margin. ("He won the race by a good deal.")

Adverb

1. to a very great degree or extent
   • I feel a lot better
   • we enjoyed ourselves very much
   • she was very much interested
   • this would help a great deal