not too bad

USAGE SUMMARY

"not too bad" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe something in a moderate or neutral way. For example, "I heard about your test scores; not too bad!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not too bad, Bruins.

The New York Times

Hopefully, not too bad".

The New York Times - Sports

It's not too bad.

BBC

"Not too bad.

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully it's not too bad".

The New York Times - Sports

It's not too bad today.

The New Yorker

Not too bad, thanks.

The Guardian - Sport

"Not too bad," she said.

The Guardian - Tech

"Not too bad, Boss.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not too bad, not too bad, at all".

The New York Times - Sports

That's not too bad right?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid overuse, vary your language with alternatives like "decent enough" or "fair enough", depending on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on understatement, such as "not too bad", in situations that warrant a more direct or enthusiastic expression of approval or appreciation. Choose language that accurately reflects your true sentiment to maintain clarity and sincerity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not too bad" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a moderate level of satisfaction or acceptability. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. Examples show it modifying situations, conditions, or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not too bad" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a mildly positive or neutral assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable for conveying that something is adequate without being exceptional. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the phrase serves to downplay negativity or offer a qualified endorsement. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "acceptable" or "satisfactory". Be cautious not to overuse understatement, ensuring your language accurately reflects your true sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not half bad

An informal way of expressing a positive opinion, suggesting something is surprisingly good.

it's alright

Offers a mild affirmation, suggesting something is satisfactory without being particularly impressive.

could be worse

Implies a sense of relief that a situation is not as negative as it potentially could have been.

decent enough

Emphasizes acceptability rather than explicit goodness, suggesting a basic level of adequacy.

passable

Highlights the ability to meet a minimum standard or requirement without excelling.

acceptable

Stresses that something meets the minimum requirements or standards.

fair enough

Indicates acceptance or agreement with a situation that may not be ideal but is tolerable.

satisfactory

Focuses on meeting the necessary requirements or expectations.

moderately good

Directly indicates a level of quality that is neither excellent nor poor, but somewhere in the middle.

serviceable

Emphasizes the functionality and utility of something, even if it lacks refinement.

FAQs

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

You can use "not too bad" to express that something is acceptable or satisfactory. For example, "The weather today is "not too bad"" or "How was the movie? "Not too bad"."

What's a less common alternative to "not too bad"?

Alternatives include "passable", "serviceable", or "moderately good", each carrying a slightly different nuance of acceptability or adequacy.

Is "not too bad" formal or informal?

"Not too bad" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. In professional settings, more direct and specific language may be preferred.

What does "not half bad" mean compared to "not too bad"?

"Not half bad" is an idiom that means surprisingly good, whereas "not too bad" simply means something is acceptable or adequate. "Not half bad" expresses a more positive sentiment than "not too bad".