In 15 Seconds
- A polite, enthusiastic response to positive updates from others.
- Works perfectly in both professional and casual social settings.
- Shows genuine happiness and support for the person speaking.
Meaning
This is a warm, enthusiastic way to react when someone shares positive information with you. It shows you are genuinely happy for them and think the news is high quality.
Key Examples
3 of 6A friend announces their engagement
That's wonderful news, I can't wait for the wedding!
That's wonderful news, I can't wait for the wedding!
A colleague mentions they got a promotion
That's wonderful news, you really deserve it!
That's wonderful news, you really deserve it!
Texting a sibling who passed a test
That's wonderful news! 🥳
That's wonderful news! 🥳
Cultural Background
Americans often use high-energy adjectives like 'awesome' or 'amazing' interchangeably with 'wonderful'. Sincerity is often judged by the pitch of the voice. British speakers might use 'lovely' or 'brilliant'. While they may seem more reserved, 'That's wonderful news' is considered very polite and warm. Australians might use 'No way! That's heaps good!' in informal settings, but 'That's wonderful news' is the standard for formal or semi-formal situations. In international business, this phrase is a safe, 'neutral' way to build rapport without being too casual or too stiff.
The 'Uncountable' Rule
Always remember: News is like water. You can't have 'one news' or 'a news'. Just 'news'.
Tone Matters
Smile when you say it! The phrase loses its power if your face looks bored.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite, enthusiastic response to positive updates from others.
- Works perfectly in both professional and casual social settings.
- Shows genuine happiness and support for the person speaking.
What It Means
That's wonderful news is a classic way to celebrate someone else's success. It is more than just saying good. It carries a sense of joy and sincere approval. When you use this, you are telling the other person that their update has made your day a little brighter. It is like giving them a verbal high-five or a warm hug.
How To Use It
You use this phrase immediately after someone tells you something positive. It works as a complete sentence on its own. You can also add a little extra to the end to make it warmer. For example, try saying That's wonderful news, I'm so happy for you! It sounds best when your voice goes up in pitch at the end. If you say it with a flat voice, people might think you are being sarcastic. Nobody wants that at a party!
When To Use It
This phrase is a social Swiss Army knife. Use it when a friend gets a new job or a cousin gets engaged. It is perfect for professional settings too. If a colleague finishes a big project, this phrase makes you look like a great team player. You can use it in person, over the phone, or in a nice email. It is great for those moments when cool feels too small and OMG feels too loud.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for very small, mundane things. If your friend says they found a dollar on the street, That's wonderful news might sound a bit dramatic. Also, never use it if the news is actually bad but you misunderstood. If someone says they are leaving their job because they are stressed, saying this would be a major social disaster. Always listen to the tone of the speaker first. If they aren't smiling, you probably shouldn't either.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the US and UK, value 'active constructive responding.' This is a fancy way of saying we like to show big energy when friends share good news. In many English-speaking cultures, being 'low energy' when someone is excited can be seen as rude or jealous. Phrases like this help maintain social bonds. It reflects a culture that encourages celebrating individual achievements openly.
Common Variations
You can swap out wonderful for other strong adjectives. Try That's fantastic news for more energy. Use That's great news for something a bit more casual. If you want to sound very British, you might hear That's brilliant news. In a quick text message, people often shorten it to just Wonderful news! with a few heart or party emojis. It’s all about matching the 'vibe' of the person sharing.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the 'sweet spot' of English—it is never too formal and never too casual. It is a safe, polite choice for 90% of positive situations.
The 'Uncountable' Rule
Always remember: News is like water. You can't have 'one news' or 'a news'. Just 'news'.
Tone Matters
Smile when you say it! The phrase loses its power if your face looks bored.
Email Etiquette
This is a perfect opening sentence for a reply to a positive email.
Examples
6That's wonderful news, I can't wait for the wedding!
That's wonderful news, I can't wait for the wedding!
Adds extra excitement for a major life event.
That's wonderful news, you really deserve it!
That's wonderful news, you really deserve it!
Professional yet warm and supportive.
That's wonderful news! 🥳
That's wonderful news! 🥳
Emojis help convey the tone in text form.
Oh, that's wonderful news, what a relief!
Oh, that's wonderful news, what a relief!
Expresses shared relief and happiness.
That's wonderful news, we're starving!
That's wonderful news, we're starving!
Slightly dramatic use for a small positive situation.
That's wonderful news, thank you so much doctor.
That's wonderful news, thank you so much doctor.
Formal and deeply sincere.
Test Yourself
Complete the reaction to the following news.
A: 'I just won the lottery!' B: 'That's ________ news!'
We use the adjective 'wonderful' directly before the uncountable noun 'news'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct response:
'News' is singular and uncountable, so it uses 'That's' and no 'a'.
Match the news to the best response.
1. I lost my wallet. 2. I'm getting a puppy! 3. It's raining.
'That's wonderful news' is only for positive updates like getting a puppy.
Fill in the missing line.
Boss: 'You did a great job, so I'm giving you a bonus.' Employee: '________________'
This is the most natural and polite way to react to a bonus.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'That's wonderful news!'
Work
- • Promotion
- • New Job
- • Pay Rise
Life
- • New House
- • Wedding
- • New Baby
Health
- • Recovery
- • Good Results
- • Feeling Better
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: 'I just won the lottery!' B: 'That's ________ news!'
We use the adjective 'wonderful' directly before the uncountable noun 'news'.
Choose the correct response:
'News' is singular and uncountable, so it uses 'That's' and no 'a'.
1. I lost my wallet. 2. I'm getting a puppy! 3. It's raining.
'That's wonderful news' is only for positive updates like getting a puppy.
Boss: 'You did a great job, so I'm giving you a bonus.' Employee: '________________'
This is the most natural and polite way to react to a bonus.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo. Even though 'news' ends in 's', it is singular. Always use 'That is' or 'That's'.
It can be. For very small things, 'That's great news' or 'That's good news' is safer.
It is neutral. You can use it with anyone, from your grandmother to your CEO.
'Wonderful' sounds more emotional and sincere; 'great' is more common and slightly more casual.
No, never use 'a' with news. Just say 'That's wonderful news'.
Related Phrases
That's great news
similarA slightly less formal version.
I'm so happy for you
builds onFocuses on the person rather than the news.
That's music to my ears
idiomInformation that makes you very happy.
That's terrible news
contrastReaction to bad information.
