Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.
12th August 2024

Not too bad

We use this expression to say something is quite good. If we change out intonation and stress on the word 'too' this phrase can have a more negative meaning.
IH Bristol Phrase of the Day: Not too bad
Usage
Written: 
Yes
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
No
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
What did you think of the latest Bourne film?
It’s not bad but I think I prefer the earlier films.
Example 2
How are you feeling today?
I’m not too bad, but I’ve still got a bit of a headache.

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