We often stick one to word or phrase and use it over and over again. "That's not good" is one of them! Learn and use these __ alternatives to diversify your English speech. Download my English workbook:
My mission is to teach you a lot of different phrases that mean the same thing. I've done videos like "Stop Saying YES," "Stop Saying NO" and today is one of those videos because I'm going to teach you what to say instead of "that's not good."
(1) IT LEAVES A LOT TO BE DESIRED
The Brits have a reputation for being too polite and indirect — for saying something that sounds quite polite but actually meaning something quite harsh. This phrase is a good example of that. If someone says “This leaves a lot to be desired,” it sometimes means “This is truly the worst thing I have ever seen.” But it’s polite.
(2) IT COULD BE BETTER
This phrase is a bit more positive and encouraging.
It’s like saying “Hey, it didn’t work out this time, but try again — you’ll do it better!”
(3) IT'S NOT UP TO SCRATCH
We usually use this one when we’re talking about the quality of someone’s work. It’s about meeting a target or expectation. So you can say: “The report’s not up to scratch. Do it again, please.”
(4) THIS JUST WON'T DO
This is similar to “not up to scratch.”
Example: "You’re late again! It just won’t do!"
(5) THAT'S NOT OK
You know that feeling when someone crosses the line — when they do something unfair or something that makes you feel uncomfortable? Maybe it was something boring and work-related, like when the boss decided not to give anyone any bonuses, even though the company did really well this year. Or when your friend’s new colleague starts talking about nonsense racist theories and has clearly been spending too much time in the parts of the internet full of mad people. Then you can definitely say “That’s not OK.” It’s a way of standing up for a moral position.
(6) THAT SUCKS
Yep. It sucks that you can’t go to the movie theater because you promised to look after your sister’s 4 children. However, don’t use this in formal situations — it’s very casual.
(7) IT'S CRAP
Be careful with this one: it’s rude, direct and very informal — but fine to use with friends.
Time codes:
0:00 Why "that's not good" is not the best option
1:53 Polite British alternative
3:32 The most encouraging alternative
4:00 Use this when talking about the quality of someone's work
4:29 This just won't do!
5:03 When someone crosses the line...
5:30 A very casual alternative
6:10 The most direct alternative
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