In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to show you are listening to new information.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual chats with friends.
- Tone of voice determines if you sound curious or bored.
Meaning
You use this phrase to show you are listening and find something new or surprising. It keeps the conversation going without needing a long response.
Key Examples
3 of 6A colleague explains a new software
That's interesting, I didn't know it had that feature.
That's interesting, I didn't know it had that feature.
A friend shares a random fact
That's interesting! I never knew penguins could jump so high.
That's interesting! I never knew penguins could jump so high.
Texting about a news story
That's interesting. Thanks for sharing the link!
That's interesting. Thanks for sharing the link!
Cultural Background
The 'British Understatement'. 'That's interesting' can be a polite way to say 'I think you're wrong' or 'I don't care'. Pay close attention to the lack of facial expression. Americans often use 'That's interesting' as a genuine 'hook' to ask more questions. It is usually seen as a positive sign of engagement. In science, 'interesting' is a heavy word. It means a result is unexpected and needs more research. It's one of the highest forms of praise for a data set. On platforms like Reddit or Twitter, 'That's interesting' is often replaced by 'TIL' (Today I Learned). It signals that the user has gained new knowledge.
The 'Three-Second Rule'
Wait about three seconds after someone finishes a sentence before saying 'That's interesting.' It makes it look like you actually thought about what they said.
Watch Your Face
If you say 'That's interesting' while looking at your phone, people will know you are lying. Eye contact is essential.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to show you are listening to new information.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual chats with friends.
- Tone of voice determines if you sound curious or bored.
What It Means
That's interesting is a social multi-tool. It tells the speaker you are paying attention. You find their information worth hearing. It is not a deep compliment. It is a polite way to acknowledge a fact. Think of it as a bridge between their story and your reaction. It shows you are curious but not shocked.
How To Use It
Use it when someone shares a fact or an opinion. You can say it alone or add a question. For example: That's interesting. Why did you choose that? Your voice tone matters a lot here. Keep your voice rising at the end to sound genuine. If your voice is flat, you might sound bored. It works great when you don't know what else to say. It fills the silence perfectly while you think of a better reply.
When To Use It
Use it at work when a colleague explains a new project. Use it at a party when someone describes their hobby. It is perfect for first dates to show you are engaged. Use it when reading a news article with a friend. It works well in text messages too. If a friend sends a link, reply with That's interesting! to show you clicked it. It is the 'safe' response for almost any new information.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very sad news. If a friend says their dog is sick, do not say That's interesting. That sounds cold and robotic. Avoid using it if you actually disagree strongly. In some cultures, it is a polite way to say I think you are wrong. Don't use it too many times in one talk. You will sound like a broken record or a person who isn't really listening.
Cultural Background
In the US and UK, this phrase is a 'politeness marker'. It helps avoid awkward silences. However, be careful with British speakers. Sometimes, a Brit says That's interesting when they actually mean That is crazy or I don't believe you. It is a classic example of English understatement. In a professional setting, it is a way to stay neutral. It allows you to listen without committing to an opinion yet.
Common Variations
How interesting!(Sounds a bit more excited or formal)That's an interesting point.(Good for meetings or debates)Interesting...(Short, sounds like you are thinking deeply)That's really interesting.(Adds more warmth and genuine curiosity)
Usage Notes
This phrase is extremely versatile but relies heavily on prosody (the rhythm and pitch of your voice). In professional settings, it is a safe 'holding' phrase that gives you time to process information before reacting.
The 'Three-Second Rule'
Wait about three seconds after someone finishes a sentence before saying 'That's interesting.' It makes it look like you actually thought about what they said.
Watch Your Face
If you say 'That's interesting' while looking at your phone, people will know you are lying. Eye contact is essential.
The Follow-Up
Never just say 'That's interesting' and stop. Always follow it with a question to keep the conversation alive.
Examples
6That's interesting, I didn't know it had that feature.
That's interesting, I didn't know it had that feature.
Shows professional curiosity and engagement.
That's interesting! I never knew penguins could jump so high.
That's interesting! I never knew penguins could jump so high.
Casual reaction to a fun fact.
That's interesting. Thanks for sharing the link!
That's interesting. Thanks for sharing the link!
A quick way to acknowledge a message.
A squirrel stole your keys? That's... interesting.
A squirrel stole your keys? That's... interesting.
The pause implies you find the story hard to believe.
That's an interesting point, but have we considered the budget?
That's an interesting point, but have we considered the budget?
A polite way to pivot to a different topic.
That's interesting, tell me more about what your boss said.
That's interesting, tell me more about what your boss said.
Encourages the speaker to continue their story.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct adjective to complete the sentence.
I just read a book about space. It was very ________.
We use '-interesting' to describe the book (the thing).
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
A: 'I've decided to start a business selling socks for dogs.' B: '________'
'That's interesting!' is the natural way to react to someone's news.
Match the tone of 'That's interesting' to the situation.
Situation: A friend tells you they found a $100 bill on the street.
Good news or surprising luck deserves an enthusiastic tone.
Fill in the blank to make the phrase more formal.
That is a very ________ point you've made, Mr. Smith.
'Interesting' is appropriate for formal business contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'That's interesting'
Good Times
- • New facts
- • Travel stories
- • Work updates
Bad Times
- • Funerals
- • Accidents
- • Direct questions
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI just read a book about space. It was very ________.
We use '-interesting' to describe the book (the thing).
A: 'I've decided to start a business selling socks for dogs.' B: '________'
'That's interesting!' is the natural way to react to someone's news.
Situation: A friend tells you they found a $100 bill on the street.
Good news or surprising luck deserves an enthusiastic tone.
That is a very ________ point you've made, Mr. Smith.
'Interesting' is appropriate for formal business contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually no, but it can be if your tone is flat or if you use it to respond to something sad.
Yes, it's very common and adds a bit more enthusiasm.
'Fascinating' is much stronger. Use it for things that really grab your attention.
British culture values politeness and avoiding direct conflict, so they use neutral words to hide negative feelings.
It's a bit weak for formal writing. Try 'noteworthy', 'significant', or 'compelling' instead.
Yes, but it sounds more like you are talking to yourself or thinking deeply.
Say it with three syllables: IN-tris-ting.
No, you need a noun after 'an', like 'That's an interesting story.'
Yes, constantly. It's a safe way to acknowledge a point without agreeing to it yet.
In English, we often say it anyway just to be polite. It's a social 'white lie'.
Related Phrases
That's fascinating
specialized formMuch stronger than interesting.
I see
similarShows understanding.
Tell me more
builds onAn invitation to continue.
That's boring
contrastThe opposite of interesting.
