not that bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not that bad" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is not as bad as it may seem or as bad as it could be. Example: "I was nervous about my presentation, but it actually went pretty well. The feedback wasn't that bad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

O.K., not that bad.

The New York Times

So not that bad, then.

Independent

Maybe not that bad.

The Guardian - Sport

Not that bad, anyway.

The Guardian - Sport

Well, not that bad.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's actually not that bad.

The Guardian - Film

I'm not that bad off".

The New York Times

It's really not that bad.

The New Yorker

Well, maybe not that bad.

The Guardian - Music

But not that bad, either.

The New Yorker

Because it's just not that bad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not that bad" to offer a reassuring perspective, especially when acknowledging concerns or criticisms. It softens the impact of negative perceptions and suggests a more balanced view.

Common error

Avoid using "not that bad" when describing something genuinely excellent or exceptional. It can create a sense of understatement that diminishes the positive qualities. Opt for more enthusiastic praise to match the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "not that bad" is as a qualifier or understatement. Ludwig examples show it's often used to soften negative assessments or to express a mild level of positivity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase "not that bad" is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not that bad" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is better than expected or not as negative as it initially seems. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase "not that bad" is correct and commonly used in written English. Examples from Ludwig reveal its widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to informal conversations. It functions as a qualifier or understatement, serving to reassure or temper negative perceptions. While versatile, it's best to avoid using "not that bad" when describing truly excellent things, as it could downplay their positive qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not so terrible

Replaces "bad" with "terrible", softening the negative connotation.

not all that awful

Uses "awful" instead of "bad", while also adding the intensifier "all that" to slightly emphasize the positive aspect.

not as dreadful as it seems

Expresses that the situation appears worse than it actually is, providing a sense of reassurance.

better than expected

Focuses on the positive aspect of exceeding expectations, rather than directly addressing the negativity.

passable enough

Implies that something is adequate or satisfactory, even if it isn't exceptional.

relatively decent

Indicates that something is reasonably good in comparison to a potentially lower standard.

could be worse

Highlights the possibility of a more negative outcome, thus making the current situation seem less dire.

not the end of the world

Downplays the severity of a situation, suggesting that it's not a catastrophic event.

managable enough

The situation is under control despite the problems.

within acceptable limits

Expresses that something falls within the bounds of what is considered tolerable or permissible.

FAQs

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

You can use "not that bad" to express that something is better than expected or not as negative as it seems. For example, "The exam was difficult, but it was "not that bad"."

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

You can use alternatives like "not so terrible", "better than expected", or "passable enough" depending on the context.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "not that bad"?

While generally acceptable, it may be inappropriate in situations requiring strong empathy or when minimizing someone's serious concerns. Consider the context and emotional impact before using it.

What's the difference between "not that bad" and "actually good"?

"Not that bad" implies a mild level of positivity, suggesting something is acceptable or better than anticipated. "Actually good", on the other hand, expresses a more definitive positive assessment.