say good morning
/seɪ ɡʊd ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
Meaning
This phrase means to greet someone politely during the early part of the day. It is a standard, friendly way to acknowledge colleagues, family members, classmates, or strangers when you first see them.
Examples
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It is polite to say good morning to your teacher when you enter the classroom.
It is polite to say good morning to your teacher when you enter the classroom.
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He always smiles and says good morning to everyone in the office.
He always smiles and says good morning to everyone in the office.
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I forgot to say good morning to my roommate this morning because I was in a rush.
I forgot to say good morning to my roommate this morning because I was in a rush.
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She walked past me without even saying good morning.
She walked past me without even saying good morning.
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My kids always run to my room to say good morning.
My kids always run to my room to say good morning.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I said to him good morning.
✓ I said good morning to him.
The direct object (good morning) should come before the prepositional phrase (to him) when using the verb 'say'.
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✗ He told good morning to me.
✓ He said good morning to me.
We use the verb 'say' for direct greetings like 'good morning', not the verb 'tell'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Always ___ to the receptionist when you arrive at work.
💡 Greet someone politely in the early day
Show answer
say good morning
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Did you ___ to your parents before you left?
💡 Offer a morning greeting
Show answer
say good morning