Buzz
Find out the meaning of this commonly used English expression
When engaging in conversations with friends, coworkers, or acquaintances, you may often hear the phrase 'Good to know.' This expression is widely used to show appreciation for receiving useful information. In this article, we’ll explore the full meaning of 'Good to know' or 'That’s good to know,' how to use it, how to respond to it, and other phrases with similar meanings. Keep reading if you want to learn more!
Key Insights
- 'Good to know' is an expression used to show you value or appreciate new, helpful information someone has shared with you.
- Saying 'That’s good to know' can be a polite way to acknowledge information, even if you already knew it or don't personally find it useful.
- 'Good to know' can be said sarcastically when someone shares something obvious or irrelevant to your situation.
How to Use This Phrase
Meaning of 'Good to Know'
'Good to know' expresses gratitude for learning something helpful. When someone says 'Good to know,' they’re indicating appreciation for a useful fact you’ve shared. Whether you updated a friend about your flight’s new arrival time or shared an interesting detail about a movie, they’re thankful for the information.
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You: 'Just so you know, my flight’s landing at 4 instead of 3.'
Your friend: 'Okay, good to know. I’ll pick you up then.' -
You: 'Did you know this entire movie was shot on a phone and won awards?'
Your friend: 'Oh, cool, good to know!' -
You: 'I heard Ms. Thompson wants our homework on Monday.'
Your friend: 'Good to know. Looks like I have some work to do.'
'Good to know' can also be a neutral way to acknowledge information. In some cases, 'Good to know' simply serves as a polite response. The person may not find the information particularly interesting or useful, but they still acknowledge it. It can sound neutral, sometimes even indifferent, rather than enthusiastic.
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You: 'I really enjoy this yogurt; it’s packed with protein.'
Your friend: 'Huh, good to know.' -
You: 'My family is currently in Italy, and they’re having a great time.'
Your friend: 'That’s good to know.' -
You: 'I tend to get cold, so I’d suggest wearing a jacket to the restaurant.'
Your friend: 'I don’t typically get cold, but good to know.'
When the information is irrelevant, 'Good to know' can be used sarcastically. Sometimes, 'Good to know' conveys the opposite of appreciation. It can imply that the information shared is not helpful or important to the listener. For example, your friend might be indifferent about the latest reality TV drama or find your weather warning unnecessary. Watch out for sarcasm—look for exaggerated responses, over-the-top enthusiasm, or even eye rolls.
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You: 'Did you hear that the couple I was rooting for on Love Island broke up? Apparently, they just weren't on the same page.'
Your friend: 'No way! That’s so good to know.' -
You: 'I just checked the forecast and it’s about to storm.'
Your friend: 'Wow, good to know. I couldn’t tell with all that thunder rolling in.' -
You: 'Don’t forget to put the milk back in the fridge, it’ll go bad if you leave it out.'
Your friend: 'Really?! Good to know.'
How to Use the Phrase 'Good to Know'
Show gratitude when informed with 'Good to know.' When someone, whether a friend, classmate, or coworker, shares something new with you, responding with 'That’s good to know!' shows appreciation for the heads-up. It’s a simple way to express thanks for being made aware of something useful.
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Your coworker: 'You should get that report ready quickly—the CEO is coming in on Friday.'
You: 'Oh, good to know. I’ll get to it right away.' -
Your friend: 'I stayed at a hotel in the heart of the city and thought it was a great way to explore.'
You: 'That’s good to know. I’ll check for places nearby.' - 'That’s good to know' is informal, so it’s best used with friends, family, and close colleagues.
- For more formal situations, like with a teacher or boss, stick to saying 'Thank you' or 'I appreciate the information.'
Use 'Good to know' to politely acknowledge a statement. If you're unsure how to respond to something like a random fun fact or a coworker's complaint about the office vending machine, simply say, 'Good to know.' This shows you’re engaged without necessarily showing enthusiasm.
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Your friend: 'Did you know some dolphins can hold their breath for 15 minutes?'
You: 'Huh, good to know.' -
Your coworker: 'They’re replacing the snacks in the vending machine with much worse options.'
You: 'Oh, that’s good to know.'
Say 'Good to know' sarcastically when the information doesn't matter. If someone shares something obvious or trivial, you can use a sarcastic 'Good to know' to lightly tease them. Exaggerate your appreciation to show you’re joking and being playful.
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Your friend: 'Don’t sit in that seat, it’s soaking wet.'
You: 'Really? Good to know. I couldn’t have figured that out from you shouting, “It’s wet!!”' -
Your friend: 'Wow, I just found out cows can’t walk down stairs.'
You: 'Woah, that’s so good to know. You’re always telling me the coolest facts.'
How to Respond to 'Good to know'
Respond with 'You’re welcome.' When someone says 'Good to know' after you share information, let them know you’re happy to help. You can also respond with variations like 'No problem,' 'Anytime,' or 'Of course!'
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Your classmate: 'That’s good to know about the due date change.'
You: 'No problem!' -
Your friend: 'Oh, good to know. I’ll listen to that podcast on my way home.'
You: 'Anytime! I love sharing recommendations.'
Clarify any questions they may have about what you shared. After someone tells you 'Good to know,' they might have additional questions about the information you provided. For instance, if you informed your roommate about a change in the trash collection schedule, they may want to know the reason for the change or when the next pickup is.
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Your friend: 'That’s good to know about the trash. When will they be picking it up now?'
You: 'They’re rescheduling it for sometime next week.' -
Your coworker: 'Good to know it’s not just my internet acting up. Has anyone contacted IT yet?'
You: 'Yes, I called them. They should have us back online in the next hour.'
Fire back with sarcasm if they use it. If someone sarcastically responds with 'Good to know,' feel free to reply with a playful, teasing remark. You can joke about your own statement or enthusiastically show that you were just trying to be helpful.
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Your friend: 'Wow, that’s so good to know! Who knew you had to turn the Wi-Fi on to get internet access?'
You: 'Well, not all of us are tech experts.' -
Your friend: 'Good to know that boiling water actually burns you! What would I do without you?'
You: 'I just knew you’d love that gem of a fact!'
Alternative Ways to Say 'Good to Know'
Expressions like 'Sounds good,' 'Great to hear,' or 'Perfect' convey similar meanings. If you're looking for some variety and want to avoid overusing 'Good to know,' try using these phrases that also express appreciation for the information shared:
- 'Sounds good.'
- 'Great to hear.'
- 'That’s useful to know.'
- 'Nice to know.'
- 'Perfect.'
- 'Awesome.'
