Not too bad

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.

12 August 2026

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.

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.

Find more phrases