Cool MateThat should do nicely vs That's perfect
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That should do nicely
Top 3,000 (common)
That's perfect
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: That should do nicely
| That should do nicely | That's perfect | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæt ʃəd duː ˈnaɪsli//🇺🇸 //ðæt ʃəd du ˈnaɪsli// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ˈpɜːfɪkt//🇺🇸 //ðæts ˈpɜrfɪkt// |
| Meaning | That will be good enough. | It is exactly what I wanted. |
| Example | After trying the cake, I thought, 'That should do nicely.' | Your presentation was amazing, that's perfect! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | do nicely in a situation, do nicely for a purpose, that should do, do nicely enough | 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 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 when you agree or are pleased with something. Suitable in most contexts; avoid in very formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: That should do nicely vs That's perfect
What's the difference between That should do nicely and That's perfect?
That should do nicely: That will be good enough. That's perfect: It is exactly what I wanted.
Which is more common: That should do nicely and That's perfect?
That should do nicely 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 perfect: Your presentation was amazing, that's perfect!
Can I use That should do nicely and That's perfect interchangeably?
Not always. That should do nicely 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.