Good on you and Good for you - What’s the difference?

Good on you and Good for you – What’s the difference?

Vocabulary / By

“Good for you” and “good on you” have slightly different meanings. “Good for you” is a way to show that you are happy that something good has happened to that person.”Good on you” is more of a way to say well done.

“Good for you” is common all over the English-speaking world though in some parts it is used in a sarcastic way as in “good for you” but not good for anyone else. 

“Good on you” is most common in Australian English and is a form of congratulations and is also a way to say thanks.

Good for you(Meaning and Examples)

“Good for you” means that something beneficial has happened to the other person. It can sometimes sound insincere or sarcastic as the other person is stating that it is only good for the recipient and not for everyone else.

Ah, you got into Harvard. Good for you!

You won every game! Good for you.

Whether someone is being sarcastic or sincere depends on their tone of voice. 

The second meaning of good for you is similar but is used for activities and food that are healthy.

Smoking is not good for you.

Blueberries are good for you.

Swimming is good for you.

In this case, “for you” really means “for your health”

Good on you(Meaning and Examples)

“Good on you” is a way to say well done for your hard work primarily in Australian English. 

You volunteer in the search and rescue team, good on you!

It is also used in Australian English to say thank you. Imagine a situation where you bring a few beers to your friend’s house. He could say” Good on you mate”.

“Good on you” can also be used around the English-speaking world in the context of fashion. It is usually used in the context of “That looks good on you”. It means that the clothes suit your style. 

Conor
Latest posts by Conor (see all)