Cool MateThat should do nicely vs That's good vs That's perfect
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That should do nicely
That's good
That's perfect
| That should do nicely | That's good | That's perfect | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæt ʃəd duː ˈnaɪsli//🇺🇸 //ðæt ʃəd du ˈnaɪsli// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ɡʊd//🇺🇸 //ðæts ɡʊd// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ˈpɜːfɪkt//🇺🇸 //ðæts ˈpɜrfɪkt// |
| Meaning | That will be good enough. | This is positive or satisfactory. | It is exactly what I wanted. |
| Example | After trying the cake, I thought, 'That should do nicely.' | When she finished speaking, everyone said, 'That's good!' | Your presentation was amazing, that's perfect! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | High-frequency chunk | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | do nicely in a situation, do nicely for a purpose, that should do, do nicely enough | That's good news, That's good to hear, That's good enough, That's good advice, That's good value | that's perfect timing, that's perfect for me, that's perfect example |
| Antonyms | - | - | that's awful, that's unacceptable |
| Common mistakes | Overused in formal situations where direct language is more suitable., Used with too much hesitation, making it sound insecure. | Using it in overly formal situations., Confusing it with sarcasm when tone is neutral., Omitting the subject in responses. | Using it sarcastically without clear context., Mispronouncing the phrase., Confusing with 'that's good' in intensity. |
| Usage notes | Use in informal contexts to express satisfaction. Appropriate after a suggestion or when something meets expectations. | Use 'That's good' to express approval or agreement. Common in everyday conversations; consider context for appropriateness. | Use when you agree or are pleased with something. Suitable in most contexts; avoid in very formal settings. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: That should do nicely vs That's good vs That's perfect
What's the difference between That should do nicely, That's good, and That's perfect?
That should do nicely: That will be good enough. That's good: This is positive or satisfactory. That's perfect: It is exactly what I wanted.
Which is more common: That should do nicely, That's good, and That's perfect?
That's good is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That should do nicely: After trying the cake, I thought, 'That should do nicely.' That's good: When she finished speaking, everyone said, 'That's good!' That's perfect: Your presentation was amazing, that's perfect!
Can I use That should do nicely, That's good, and That's perfect interchangeably?
Not always. That should do nicely, That's good, and That's perfect 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.