Cool MateBest wishes vs Good luck vs Good luck with that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Best wishes
Good luck
Good luck with that
| Best wishes | Good luck | Good luck with that | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bɛst ˈwɪʃɪz//🇺🇸 //bɛst ˈwɪʃɪz// | 🇬🇧 //ɡʊd lʌk//🇺🇸 //ɡʊd lʌk// | 🇬🇧 //ɡʊd lʌk wɪð ðæt//🇺🇸 //ɡʊd lʌk wɪð ðæt// |
| Meaning | A way to say good luck or express hope for someone's happiness. | I hope you succeed or have a good outcome. | I hope things go well for you. |
| Example | Thank you for your support, and best wishes for your future endeavors. | I know you have a big presentation today, so good luck! | I heard you're starting a new job. Good luck with that! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | send best wishes, best wishes for, give best wishes | wish good luck, send good luck, give good luck | wish someone luck, throw someone good luck, send luck |
| Antonyms | - | bad luck, misfortune, ill fortune, unluckiness | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'best wishes to you' which is less common., Using it in overly formal settings where something else is preferred., Not capitalizing the phrase when used at the beginning of a note. | Used inappropriately in formal situations., Confused with 'good lucking' which is incorrect. | Used inappropriately in serious contexts, Confused with 'best of luck' as a formal phrase, Misused as a direct command. |
| Usage notes | Use 'best wishes' in friendly or formal contexts. It’s appropriate in letters, cards, or when wishing someone well. Avoid in very casual settings. | Commonly used to wish someone success. Suitable for various contexts but avoid in formal settings like job interviews. | Used to wish someone success, often sarcastically or lightheartedly. Not appropriate in serious situations. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Best wishes vs Good luck vs Good luck with that
What's the difference between Best wishes, Good luck, and Good luck with that?
Best wishes: A way to say good luck or express hope for someone's happiness. Good luck: I hope you succeed or have a good outcome. Good luck with that: I hope things go well for you.
Which is more common: Best wishes, Good luck, and Good luck with that?
Good luck is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Best wishes: Thank you for your support, and best wishes for your future endeavors. Good luck: I know you have a big presentation today, so good luck! Good luck with that: I heard you're starting a new job. Good luck with that!
Can I use Best wishes, Good luck, and Good luck with that interchangeably?
Not always. Best wishes, Good luck, and Good luck with that are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.