Instead of
The service was bad.
Try
“The service was slow, we waited forty minutes to order.”
Why it works
“Bad” is a verdict. Naming the failure makes it a review someone can act on or trust.
Tone · Precise · Direct
Say This, Not That · Free
Better ways to say “bad”, “nice” and “interesting”
Three words that hide what you actually thought.
Bad, nice and interesting are the polite blur we reach for when we haven't decided what we mean. These replacements say the real thing, some kinder, some sharper.
Overused WordsEverydaySocial Situations
Instead of · Try · Why it works
Instead of
That's nice.
Try
“That sounds like a relief.”
Why it works
“Nice” is so neutral it can sound like disinterest. Any specific response reads as attention.
The response we give when we can't think of one.
Tone · Warm · Warm
Instead of
That's an interesting point.
Try
“That's a fair point, I hadn't considered the cost side.”
Why it works
In meetings “interesting” often means “I disagree”. Saying either the agreement or the doubt is clearer for everyone.
Tone · Professional · Direct
Bad · nice · interesting → precise
Choose by what went wrong or what you noticed.
bad (quality)poor
Neutral, professional criticism.
bad (quality)shoddy
Careless workmanship.
bad (behaviour)unkind
Hurt someone; plain and honest.
bad (decision)misguided
Well-intentioned but wrong.
bad (situation)dire
Serious and getting worse.
bad (food)bland
Not unpleasant, just tasteless.
nice (person)warm
Makes people feel comfortable.
nice (person)thoughtful
Notices what others need.
nice (place)charming
Small-scale pleasant character.
nice (gesture)generous
Gave more than expected.
interesting (idea)original
You hadn't heard it before.
interesting (story)absorbing
It held your attention.
interesting (finding)surprising
It contradicted what you expected.
interesting (topic)thought-provoking
You're still thinking about it.
Your turn
No account, no credits, just pick the version that reads better.
Which restaurant review is more useful?
Your colleague made a point you hadn't considered. Best response?
Someone was well-meaning but chose wrongly. Which word?
Want help with your own wording?
Better Word helps you find stronger, clearer and more fitting words for what you want to say, free.
Try Better WordThink you can choose the right wording in context?
Real-World Practice drops the same decisions into real situations. Free, no credits.
Try Real-World PracticeRelated lessons
Better ways to say “good”
“Good” can mean five different things. Pick the one you mean.
“The film was really good.”
“The film was compelling, I didn't check my phone once.”
Stop saying “very”
One precise word beats an intensifier plus a vague one.
“I was very tired after the flight.”
“I was exhausted after the flight.”
How to give feedback people can actually use
Specific beats gentle. Both beats neither.
“This isn't really working for me.”
“The opening works; the middle section loses the thread for me. Could we cut the second example?”