What's the Meaning of "Sounds Good?" Definition, Usage, & Alternative Phrases

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Learn how to agree with someone in casual conversation
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“Sounds good” is a casual way to agree with someone when they suggest a plan or idea. In this article, we’ll explain when and how to use this phrase, plus provide more formal alternatives for professional settings. We’ll also teach you the differences between “That sounds good” and “Sounds good” so you can confirm plans and projects effortlessly.

Things You Should Know

  • “Sounds good” is a friendly way to express agreement when someone suggests plans or ideas.
  • Use “Sounds good” to respond to an invitation from your loved one, or use it to approve a business proposal made by your boss, colleague, or client.
  • Alternatively, use the phrases “Sounds perfect” or “I’m looking forward to it” to convey excitement about someone’s suggestion.
Section 1 of 5:

What does "Sounds good" mean?

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  1. It’s a friendly way to tell someone you approve of their plan or suggestion, and it conveys excitement about their ideas too. “Sounds good” is a shortened version of the expression “That sounds like a good idea,” so it’s mainly used in informal settings with friends and family. However, it’s still acceptable to use in the workplace, as long as you remain polite and professional while speaking. [1]
    • Feel free to use “Sounds good” with the colleagues, clients, or managers you feel comfortable with, but avoid using the phrase if you’re responding to someone who is known to be strict or tough—it could come off as unprofessional.
    • In this case, “sounds good” is an idiom, which means it’s not a literal saying. It’s a positive phrase to signify agreement, approval, or satisfaction with someone.
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Section 2 of 5:

When & How to Use "Sounds Good"

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  1. If a loved one suggests future plans with you, use “Sounds good” to confirm you can attend. Whether it’s a dinner date, study session, or family event, it communicates you're excited to hang out with them and that their plans work with your schedule.
    • Them: “How about we meet for lunch at 12 PM?”
    • You: “Sounds good! I’ve heard amazing things about that new restaurant.”
  2. Although the phrase is considered casual, it’s still acceptable to use in some professional settings. If a client or colleague suggests an idea, for instance, feel free to use “Sounds good” to express approval. Before parting ways with them, be sure to clarify all the terms to ensure you’re on the same page—once they make major decisions, it’ll be hard to make any changes. [2]
    • Them: “Are you available to attend a meeting on Friday?”
    • You: “Tomorrow or next Friday?”
    • Them: “Next Friday.”
    • You: “Yes, sounds good.”
  3. Lots of young people use “Sounds good” to be sarcastic or witty, especially if they don’t like the person who is suggesting an idea. It’s a casual way to brush someone off if they’re being annoying and you don’t actually plan on listening to them. [3]
    • Them: “I’m going to tell your mom you cheated on the exam.”
    • You: “Sounds good.”
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Section 3 of 5:

Alternative Phrases

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  1. If you’re speaking to your boss or someone of higher authority, use this expression to confirm upcoming plans or proposals. It has the exact same meaning as “Sounds good,” but it sounds slightly more formal, making it the perfect response to be professional at work .
    • Them: “Can you lead the presentation on Tuesday?”
    • You: “That works for me. I will make a note of that in my schedule.”
  2. If you’re talking to a friend, family member, or close colleague and you’re not super keen on their ideas, use this phrase to convey your feelings in a polite way. It doesn’t directly say that their suggestions are bad, but it implies there might be better ones out there.
    • Them: “How about we watch the new Jordan Peele movie?”
    • You: “I’d be okay with that, but I’ll also see what other releases there are.”
  3. If you’ve made plans with someone in a casual or professional setting, use this phrase to confirm the details and end the conversation on a positive note. It’s even more kind and friendly than “Sounds good” because it implies anticipation for your upcoming meeting. [4]
    • Them: “Okay, so we’re going to the park on Saturday?”
    • You: “Yes. I’m looking forward to it!”
  4. Whether you’re speaking to someone in a casual or professional setting, replace the “good” in “Sounds good” with any adverb that fits your mood (and is appropriate for the occasion). It’s the perfect way to add personality to a common phrase and let the other person know exactly how you feel.
    • “Sounds incredible!”
    • “Your plan sounds perfect.”
    • “The proposal sounds amazing.”
    • “Sounds supercalifragilisticexpialidocious🤪.”
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Section 4 of 5:

“That Sounds Good” vs “Sounds Good”

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  1. Technically speaking, the phrase “That sounds good” is more grammatically correct than “Sounds good” because it includes the pronoun “that”—which can refer to a specific idea or plan the other person suggests. “Sounds good” is more relaxed and casual than “That sounds good,” and it’s used when the context of the conversation is obvious to both parties. [5]
    • Both “That sounds good” and “Sounds good” express agreement and approval, but “Sounds good” is used more frequently in everyday conversation with friends and family members.
Section 5 of 5:

Final Thoughts

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  1. It’s a casual way to express agreement with someone, and because it validates their suggestions, it can make them feel good inside. Throw in this friendly phrase anytime you want to share excitement for a plan or proposal, and let the other person know their idea rocks!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.yourdictionary.com/sounds-good
      2. ↑ https://grammarhow.com/better-ways-to-say-sounds-good/
      3. ↑ https://answeroll.com/replies-to-ok-sounds-good/
      4. ↑ https://grammarhow.com/better-ways-to-say-sounds-good/
      5. ↑ https://wordselector.com/sounds-good-synonyms/

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