is not bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not bad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a positive opinion or to indicate that something is acceptable or better than expected. Example: "The movie was not bad; I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

That is not bad.

Forbes

This is not bad idea.

The Economist

"Tuition itself is not bad.

The New York Times

The climat is not bad.

The New Yorker

It is not bad as theories go.

The New York Times

You know what else is not bad?

The New Yorker

SARS is not bad news for everybody.

The Economist

In some ways, that is not bad.

The Economist

That is not bad luck.

The Guardian - Sport

'And porridge is not bad.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That is not bad it's progression.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not bad" to express a moderate level of satisfaction or approval, especially when you want to avoid being overly enthusiastic. It's suitable when something exceeds initial expectations or meets a basic standard.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "is not bad" if you aim to convey precise feelings. This phrase can lack impact. Instead, use more descriptive language to better reflect your true assessment. For example, instead of saying "The food is not bad", consider alternatives like "The food is flavorful", "The food is delicious" or "The food is delightful".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not bad" functions primarily as a subject complement, offering a subjective assessment. It qualifies a subject by indicating a degree of acceptability or mild approval. As seen in Ludwig, the Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically valid and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not bad" is a versatile expression used to communicate moderate approval or acceptance. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While seemingly simple, its effectiveness lies in its neutrality, making it appropriate for situations where strong enthusiasm is unwarranted or when tempering initial expectations. As highlighted, its usage spans from news articles to general conversations, although it leans slightly towards informal registers. For more formal settings, more descriptive and professional alternatives should be considered. Ultimately, "is not bad" serves as a pragmatic tool for expressing satisfaction without overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite good

Implies a higher degree of approval compared to "is not bad".

is rather good

Uses "rather" to emphasize a positive aspect that something is better than expected.

is fairly good

Similar to "is quite good" but suggests a slightly less enthusiastic endorsement.

is reasonably good

Indicates an acceptable level of quality or performance.

is not terrible

Expresses relief that something is better than the worst-case scenario.

is decent

Suggests an adequate or satisfactory level of quality.

is acceptable

Conveys that something meets the minimum requirements or standards.

is not the worst

Similar to "is not terrible" but emphasizes a broader comparison.

is alright

A more casual way of saying something is acceptable or satisfactory.

is not half bad

An idiomatic expression implying surprise that something is better than expected.

FAQs

How can I use "is not bad" in a sentence?

You can use "is not bad" to express a moderately positive opinion or to indicate that something is better than expected. For example, "The movie was "is not bad"; I actually enjoyed it." or "For a first attempt, that "is not bad" at all".

What are some alternatives to saying "is not bad"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "is quite good", "is acceptable", or "is decent" to convey similar meanings. These options offer varying degrees of positivity.

Is it ever appropriate to use "is not bad" in formal writing?

While "is not bad" is generally understood, it leans toward informal communication. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional language such as "is satisfactory", "is adequate", or a more descriptive assessment depending on the specific context.

What does "is not half bad" mean?

The phrase "is not half bad" is an idiom that means something is surprisingly good or better than expected. It is an informal way of expressing approval or satisfaction. It implies that the speaker initially had low expectations but was pleasantly surprised.