Cool MateIt's okay vs That's okay
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It's okay
Top 1,000 (very common)
That's okay
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: It's okay
| It's okay | That's okay | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪts əʊˈkeɪ//🇺🇸 //ɪts oʊˈkeɪ// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts əˈkeɪ//🇺🇸 //ðæts oʊˈkeɪ// |
| Meaning | It's fine or acceptable. | It's all right. |
| Example | If you need help, it's okay to ask. | I forgot to call you, but that's okay. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | it's okay to, it's okay if, say it's okay | that's okay with me, that's okay to do, that's okay if you can't |
| Antonyms | It's not okay, It's unacceptable, It's not fine | that's not okay, absolutely not |
| Common mistakes | Using 'its' instead of 'it's'., Overusing in formal contexts., Confusing with 'it's not okay'. | Using 'that's okay' in very formal situations, Confusing with 'that's fine' which can sound more dismissive, Mispronouncing or slurring words in quick speech |
| Usage notes | Used to reassure someone or show acceptance. Suitable in most contexts but avoid in formal writing. | Used to reassure someone or indicate acceptance. Appropriate in most informal and neutral contexts, but can be overly casual in formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: It's okay vs That's okay
What's the difference between It's okay and That's okay?
It's okay: It's fine or acceptable. That's okay: It's all right.
Which is more common: It's okay and That's okay?
It's okay is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
It's okay: If you need help, it's okay to ask. That's okay: I forgot to call you, but that's okay.
Can I use It's okay and That's okay interchangeably?
Not always. It's okay and That's okay 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.