Cool MateIt's okay vs That's not bad
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It's okay
Top 1,000 (very common)
That's not bad
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: It's okay
| It's okay | That's not bad | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪts əʊˈkeɪ//🇺🇸 //ɪts oʊˈkeɪ// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt bæd//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt bæd// |
| Meaning | It's fine or acceptable. | It's okay or good, not as bad as it sounds. |
| Example | If you need help, it's okay to ask. | The movie was actually quite good, not what I expected — that's not bad! |
| 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 not bad for a start, that's not bad at all, that's not a bad idea |
| Antonyms | It's not okay, It's unacceptable, It's not fine | that's terrible, that's awful, that's disappointing |
| Common mistakes | Using 'its' instead of 'it's'., Overusing in formal contexts., Confusing with 'it's not okay'. | Used in overly serious contexts, make sure it's appropriate., Confuse with 'that's good' which is stronger approval. |
| Usage notes | Used to reassure someone or show acceptance. Suitable in most contexts but avoid in formal writing. | Often used to express mild approval or surprise. It's informal but not overly casual, suitable in many contexts. Avoid in very formal settings. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: It's okay vs That's not bad
What's the difference between It's okay and That's not bad?
It's okay: It's fine or acceptable. That's not bad: It's okay or good, not as bad as it sounds.
Which is more common: It's okay and That's not bad?
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 not bad: The movie was actually quite good, not what I expected — that's not bad!
Can I use It's okay and That's not bad interchangeably?
Not always. It's okay and That's not bad 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.