Cool MateThat's perfect vs That's what we need
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's perfect
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
That's what we need
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: That's what we need
| That's perfect | That's what we need | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ˈpɜːfɪkt//🇺🇸 //ðæts ˈpɜrfɪkt// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts wɒt wiː niːd//🇺🇸 //ðæts wɑt wi nid// |
| Meaning | It is exactly what I wanted. | This is what we want. |
| Example | Your presentation was amazing, that's perfect! | When we discussed our goals, Jane said, 'We need a new plan,' and I replied, 'That's what we need.' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | that's perfect timing, that's perfect for me, that's perfect example | That's exactly what we need, That's not what we need, That's exactly what we wanted, That's certainly what we need |
| Antonyms | that's awful, that's unacceptable | - |
| Common mistakes | Using it sarcastically without clear context., Mispronouncing the phrase., Confusing with 'that's good' in intensity. | Using it in overly formal settings., Misplacing intonation, which can change meaning., Saying it when not fully agreeing with the statement. |
| Usage notes | Use when you agree or are pleased with something. Suitable in most contexts; avoid in very formal settings. | This phrase is often used to emphasize agreement or affirm a suggestion. It fits well in informal and neutral contexts but may sound too casual in very formal discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's perfect vs That's what we need
What's the difference between That's perfect and That's what we need?
That's perfect: It is exactly what I wanted. That's what we need: This is what we want.
Which is more common: That's perfect and That's what we need?
That's what we need is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That's perfect: Your presentation was amazing, that's perfect! That's what we need: When we discussed our goals, Jane said, 'We need a new plan,' and I replied, 'That's what we need.'
Can I use That's perfect and That's what we need interchangeably?
Not always. That's perfect and That's what we need 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.