When you come across a good idea or plan, you might get mixed up between two similar responses: ‘that sounds great’ vs. ‘it sounds great’. Both phrases show that you like what you’ve heard.
But do they mean the same thing? Not exactly.
You often use ‘that sounds great’ when responding to a specific idea or suggestion. You could say ‘that sounds great’ to show how excited you are about that particular idea.
On the other hand, you can use ‘it sounds great’ when you’re talking about something like a song or a story.
Neither phrase is wrong; it’s just about using the right phrase in the right situation.
That Sounds Great or It Sounds Great: Which is correct?
When picking between “that sounds great” or “it sounds great,” you’re usually deciding based on the situation.
A simple tip is to use ‘that’ when talking about something specific and ‘it’ for a more general remark.
‘That sounds great’: You generally use this when you’re showing personal agreement or excitement about a specific idea or suggestion.
‘It sounds great’: This phrase can be less personal. It often talks about the sound quality of something. If you’re listening to music, and the sound quality impresses you, “It sounds great” works best. ‘It’, as a pronoun, substitutes for the subject already discussed, like the tune you’re enjoying.
“That sounds great”: Meaning and when to use
The phrase “that sounds great” is a way for you to show your excitement and agreement. When you like someone’s idea, saying “that sounds great” lets them know you’re interested and agree with their idea. It signals to the other person that you’re all in.
You’ll often use this phrase when you agree with a suggestion or are excited about a plan that has been proposed.
Grammatical Structures and Functions
That sounds great is a declarative sentence. It has a subject (“that”), a linking verb (“sounds”), and an adjective (“great”). Here’s how it’s used:
- Subject Pronoun ‘That’: “That” refers to a specific idea, plan, or suggestion made by someone else.
- Linking Verb ‘Sounds’: The verb “sounds” connects the subject “that” to the adjective “great,” implying perception or judgement.
- Adjective ‘Great’: This word describes something enjoyable, excellent, or pleasant.
Usage in Conversations:
- When you accept an invitation: “Do you want to join us for lunch?” – “That sounds great.”
- To agree with a suggestion: “Let’s meet at 5 pm.” – “That sounds great.”
“It sounds great”: Meaning and when to use
When you say “it sounds great”, you’re usually making a neutral comment about the sound quality of something, like a new phone’s ringtone or a band’s performance. It’s often used when you’re discussing a performance, sound quality, or any other abstract concept.
For example: If you’re listening to a bird’s song in the quiet morning, you might say, it sounds great.
“It sounds great” can also be used when you’re expressing approval or excitement about something you’ve heard. This could be a suggestion or an idea. You’ll commonly use this phrase when you agree with a suggestion or are excited about a proposed plan.
For example: They’re opening a new coffee shop downtown, it sounds great.
Grammatical Structures and Functions
‘It sounds great’ might seem like a straightforward phrase, but it’s helpful to understand how it functions in a sentence.
In this case, the subject ‘It’ refers to something previously mentioned or understood in the conversation.
Usage in Conversations:
- When you hear a good song: “Have you heard the new album?” – “Yes, it sounds great”
- To make a neutral observation: “I got a new phone. It has got rave reviews online” – “It sounds great. Can I see it?”
Examples of Using “That Sounds Great” in a Sentence
“A trip to the beach this weekend? That sounds great.“
“You’ve finished the project ahead of schedule? That sounds great.“
“We’re having pizza for lunch? That sounds great.“
“A new book from my favorite author is releasing? That sounds great.“
“The weather forecast predicts sunshine all week? That sounds great.“
Examples of Using “It Sounds Great” in a Sentence
“The new song by the band, it sounds great.“
“I heard your speech for the conference, it sounded great.“
“The echo in this cavern, it sounds great.“
“I have heard a lot about the engine of your new car, it sounds great.“
“The ringtone of your phone, it sounds great. What tune is it?“
Frequently Asked Questions
In what scenarios might ‘Sounds great’ be more appropriate than ‘Sounds good’?
‘Sounds great’ is usually what you say when you’re really excited or pumped about a plan or idea, while ‘Sounds good’ can be more laid back or neutral. If someone suggests an outing or a project that you’re really into, saying ‘Sounds great’ lets them know you’re really keen.
What alternatives can be used to express enthusiasm similar to ‘That sounds great’?
If you’re looking for a way to express a similar level of enthusiasm, you might use phrases like ‘Fantastic idea,’ ‘I’m excited about that,’ or ‘Count me in.’ These expressions, similar to “‘That sounds great'”, convey a strong sense of eagerness and positive expectation.
What is a more formal phrase that conveys the same sentiment as ‘That sounds good’?
In more formal situations, you might want to use language that sounds a bit fancier. You could say ‘I think that’s an excellent idea’ or ‘Your suggestion seems very agreeable.’ These are just formal ways of saying ‘That sounds good’, letting someone know you’re on board with their idea, but keeping it professional.
