Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

that's good enough

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We play.500 on the road, that's good enough.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

"That's good enough….

News & Media

The New Yorker

And that's good enough.

News & Media

The New York Times

That's good enough".

News & Media

The New York Times

That's good enough for me.

News & Media

The New York Times

That's good enough for some.

News & Media

The New York Times

That's good enough, isn't it?

That's good enough for him.

That's good enough for them".

I'm not sure that's good enough.

News & Media

Independent

Still, that's good enough for the company.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's good enough" to express satisfaction or acceptance when a task or outcome meets the necessary requirements, even if it's not perfect. This is particularly useful in situations where striving for perfection is impractical or unnecessary.

Common error

Avoid using "that's good enough" as an excuse for mediocrity. While it's useful for managing expectations and avoiding perfectionism, consistently settling for 'good enough' can hinder progress and prevent you from reaching your full potential. Strive for excellence where it matters most and use "that's good enough" judiciously.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's good enough" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating acceptance or satisfaction with a particular outcome or standard. It serves to communicate that something meets the necessary requirements, even if it isn't perfect. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's good enough" is a commonly used phrase that expresses acceptance or satisfaction with a particular outcome or standard. It is grammatically correct and versatile, finding usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. Ludwig demonstrates this with a wide array of examples. While it's useful for managing expectations and avoiding perfectionism, overusing it as an excuse for mediocrity should be avoided. Understanding its nuances allows for more effective communication and a balanced approach to achieving goals.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to say "that's good enough"?

It's appropriate to use "that's good enough" when something meets the minimum requirements or when further improvement isn't necessary or practical. It's often used to manage expectations or to indicate acceptance of a less-than-perfect outcome.

What are some alternative ways to say "that's good enough"?

You can use alternatives like "that's acceptable", "that's satisfactory", or "that suffices" depending on the context.

Is "that's good enough" considered formal or informal?

"That's good enough" is generally considered informal. More formal alternatives might be more suitable in professional or academic settings.

How can I avoid sounding dismissive when saying "that's good enough"?

To avoid sounding dismissive, you can add a reason for your acceptance, such as "That's good enough for now given our time constraints" or "That's acceptable because it meets the key criteria."

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: