Cool MateNow we're talking vs That's more like it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Now we're talking
That's more like it
| Now we're talking | That's more like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //naʊ wɪə ˈtɔːkɪŋ//🇺🇸 //naʊ wɪr ˈtɔkɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts mɔː laɪk ɪt//🇺🇸 //ðæts mɔr laɪk ɪt// |
| Meaning | We're having a good conversation now. | It means something is better or more suitable now. |
| Example | After discussing the boring details, he said, 'Now we're talking!' about the fun plans. | After trying out several designs, this one is finally approved: That's more like it! |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Common idiom | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | get started, have a conversation, engage in discussion | more like it, that's the spirit, finally that's it |
| Common mistakes | Using in overly serious contexts when professional language is needed., Confusing with 'Now we are talking' which is less common., Employing without clear context, making it sound awkward. | Using it in a formal setting., Confusing it with 'That's just like it' which has a different meaning., Sometimes omitting 'that's' leads to confusion. |
| Usage notes | Use when the conversation improves or becomes interesting. It's informal and may not be suitable for formal situations. | Typically used in casual conversations to express approval when a situation improves. Avoid in formal or business contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Now we're talking vs That's more like it
What's the difference between Now we're talking and That's more like it?
Now we're talking: We're having a good conversation now. That's more like it: It means something is better or more suitable now.
Which is more common: Now we're talking and That's more like it?
Now we're talking is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Now we're talking: After discussing the boring details, he said, 'Now we're talking!' about the fun plans. That's more like it: After trying out several designs, this one is finally approved: That's more like it!
Can I use Now we're talking and That's more like it interchangeably?
Not always. Now we're talking and That's more like it 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.