not bad really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not bad really" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as an informal expression to convey that something is surprisingly good or satisfactory. Example: "I was hesitant to try the new restaurant, but the food was not bad really."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Not bad, really.

Independent

It's not bad, really.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The box itself isn't bad, really: AMD Phenom 9550, dual Radeon 4850s, and 4 gigs of RAM.

TechCrunch

"It's not bad, it really isn't," said Mr. Collins.

The New York Times

But they usually chill out at Christmas, so it's not too bad really.

The Guardian

I guess it's not so bad, really.

Los Angeles Times

Our imaginations very powerful, it's probably not that bad really.

WikiHow

He wasn't that bad, really.

The Guardian

It wasn't so bad, really.

The New York Times - Arts

It didn't sound so bad, really.

The New Yorker

And it wasn't bad advice, really.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not bad really" to express a positive sentiment with a touch of understatement. It's ideal for situations where outright praise feels excessive, but acknowledgement of quality is warranted.

Common error

Avoid using "not bad really" in contexts requiring strong, enthusiastic endorsement. Its subtle nature may be misinterpreted as lukewarm approval in situations demanding clear praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not bad really" functions as an understated expression of approval or satisfaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys that something is surprisingly good or acceptable. Examples often appear in reviews or casual observations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not bad really" is a common and grammatically sound way to express mild approval or satisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. While it appears across various sources, its casual tone makes it most suitable for informal contexts. Alternatives such as "better than expected" or "surprisingly decent" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to use this phrase when you want to convey a positive sentiment with a touch of understatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better than expected

Directly compares the outcome to a prior expectation, indicating a positive result.

not half bad

An idiom implying something is quite good, despite a deliberately understated description.

actually pretty good

Emphasizes a positive surprise, suggesting initial skepticism was unfounded.

reasonably good

Expresses a moderate level of approval, suggesting quality is above average.

decent enough

Implies a satisfactory level of quality, sufficient for the purpose.

surprisingly decent

Highlights an unexpected level of quality, often contrasting with low expectations.

satisfactory indeed

Affirms that something meets the required level of satisfaction.

quite acceptable

Indicates something meets the required standards, suitable in formal contexts.

perfectly adequate

Suggests something fulfills its purpose, but does not necessarily exceed expectations.

alright then

Informal expression indicating acceptance or agreement, with a hint of reservation.

FAQs

What does "not bad really" mean?

The phrase "not bad really" is an idiom that suggests something is better than expected or quite satisfactory, expressing a mild form of approval.

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

You can use "not bad really" to express a positive but understated opinion. For example, "I tried the new coffee shop, and it's "not bad really"" implies the coffee shop is surprisingly good.

What can I say instead of "not bad really"?

You can use alternatives like "better than expected", "surprisingly decent", or "actually pretty good" depending on the context.

Is "not bad really" formal or informal?

"Not bad really" is considered an informal expression, best suited for casual conversations and less formal writing. For professional contexts, consider using more direct and enthusiastic praise.