Meaning
Used to express happiness or approval about something good.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'That's great!' is often accompanied by high energy and a wide smile. It is part of a cultural norm of being outwardly supportive and enthusiastic. British people use 'That's great!' but might also use 'Brilliant!' or 'Lovely!' They are sometimes more understated, so 'That's quite good' can sometimes mean the same thing. Australians are very informal. You might hear 'That's great!' or the more local 'Too right!' or 'Ripper!' to express the same feeling. In international business, 'That's great!' is a safe, polite way to acknowledge progress or good results without being overly emotional.
Smile while saying it
The phrase is 50% words and 50% energy. A smile makes it sound 100% more sincere.
Watch for sarcasm
If you say it too slowly or with a flat voice, people will think you are being mean.
Meaning
Used to express happiness or approval about something good.
Smile while saying it
The phrase is 50% words and 50% energy. A smile makes it sound 100% more sincere.
Watch for sarcasm
If you say it too slowly or with a flat voice, people will think you are being mean.
Add a follow-up
To sound like a native, add a question after: 'That's great! How did it go?'
The 'American' Great
Don't be surprised if Americans say this for very small things; it's just a polite habit!
Test Yourself
Complete the reaction to the good news.
A: I passed my driving test! B: That's _______!
Passing a test is good news, so 'great' is the correct positive reaction.
Which response is the most natural for a friend telling you they are getting married?
Friend: I'm getting married in June!
'That's great!' is the standard enthusiastic response for major life events.
Choose the best phrase to complete the conversation.
Waiter: We have a table ready for you now. Customer: ________. Thank you.
Getting a table at a restaurant is a positive thing, so 'That's great' fits perfectly.
Match the news to the best reaction.
News: 'I found my lost keys!'
Finding something you lost is a relief and a positive event.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Intensity of Approval
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: I passed my driving test! B: That's _______!
Passing a test is good news, so 'great' is the correct positive reaction.
Friend: I'm getting married in June!
'That's great!' is the standard enthusiastic response for major life events.
Waiter: We have a table ready for you now. Customer: ________. Thank you.
Getting a table at a restaurant is a positive thing, so 'That's great' fits perfectly.
News: 'I found my lost keys!'
Finding something you lost is a relief and a positive event.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes! Just saying 'Great!' is very common and slightly more informal than 'That's great!'
'Great' is stronger than 'good.' Use 'great' when you want to show more excitement.
Absolutely. It's a very common way to respond to good news in a professional or personal email.
Both are okay, but 'That's great' is more common when reacting to something someone else just said.
Yes! If you taste something delicious, you can say 'This is great!'
Then use 'That's good' or 'That's nice.' 'Great' might sound too excited.
No, it is standard English and appropriate for almost any situation.
Use a low, flat tone and roll your eyes. But be careful, it can be rude!
Yes, it is perfectly polite and professional.
'That's too bad' or 'That's terrible.'
In this phrase, yes. In other contexts, it can still mean 'large' (e.g., The Great Wall of China).
Yes, though they might use 'brilliant' or 'lovely' just as often.
Related Phrases
That's awesome
similarVery good/impressive
That's wonderful
similarVery pleasing
Good for you
similarI am happy for your success
That's a shame
contrastThat is disappointing
That's fine
similarThat is acceptable
