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If a product or a presentation is good, it is a good thing, right? Think again.
First of all, the word “good” is an English adjective that is often used to describe something or someone as positive. The function of adjectives is to describe something or someone.
However, because it is used so frequently, the positive meaning of “good” can be lost if you use it all the time. Furthermore, it can even sound boring if you use it too often, so it will lose its positive effect and the thing or person you describe will not be positive at all if you use it often.
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Watch this video by TED-Ed explaining why you should avoid common English words like “good” and “bad” and instead challenge yourself to use a variety of words to describe the situation better.
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So, how can you better say what you mean?
Remember, one of the keys to communicating better in English is to expand your vocabulary. By replacing the basic adjective “good” with another adjective that is even more positive and suitable for the situation you will use a bigger vocabulary. Try to use words that fit better to the situation!
Which words can you say instead of using “good”?
There are many other ways to say “good” when communicating in English that make you sound more convincing and fluent.
*Note: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
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Below is a list of my top 15 relevant adjectives you can use to better describe things and people at work and in business. These adjectives make your description more specific and interesting. Here is my selection of better ways to say that something or someone is “good” in different business situations.
Click the links on the words to see the full definition, pronunciation and more examples!
If you do not understand a word, you can also look it up by searching it in the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary on the right side of this article ->
To describe work
Our organization is very efficient.
What does it mean? The organization works in a way that it produces the results without using too much money, material, time, or energy.
How do you pronounce it? /ɪˈfɪʃənt/
The word stress is on the second syllable. Note that there are only 3 syllables in this word.
Anna’s contribution in the meeting was very valuable.
What does it mean? What she did in the meeting was very useful and important for the meeting. The adjective “valuable” comes from the noun “value”.
How do you pronounce it? /ˈvæljəbəl/
The word stress is on the first syllable. You do not pronounce the “u”.
Wasn’t that an excellent presentation?
What does it mean? The presentation was very good.
How do you pronounce it? /ˈɛksələnt/
The stress is on the first syllable.
Ben told me about his successful negotiation.
What does it mean? He achieved what he wanted in the negotiation. The negotiation was a success. The adjective “successful” comes from the noun “success”.
How do you pronounce it? /səkˈsɛsfəl/
You stress the second syllable.
To describe ideas and questions
She said some compelling things in our last phone call.
What does it mean? What she said was very interesting and makes you pay attention.
How do you pronounce it? /kəmˈpɛlɪŋ/
The word stress is on the second syllable.
What a brilliant comment!
What does it mean? The comment is very good, intelligent and impressive.
How do you pronounce it? /ˈbrɪljənt/
You stress the first syllable of the word.
The team came up with interesting ideas for the new product.
What does it mean? The ideas are not boring. You want to learn more about them.
How do you pronounce it? /ˈɪntrəstɪŋ/
The stress is on the first syllable. Note that there are only 3 syllables. You do not pronounce the first “e”.
Kristin asked a wonderful question about the book. I think we should remember it.
What does it mean? Her question was very good.
How do you pronounce it? /ˈwʌndərfəl/
The stress is on the first syllable.
Your question was really thought-provoking. I will think about how we can do it better.
What does it mean? What he/she said is so interesting that you have to think more about the topic.
How is it pronounced? /ˈθɑːtprəvoʊkɪŋ/
You stress both the first syllable (“thought”) and the second syllable of “provoking”.
To describe personalities
She is a great manager and also an inspiring leader.
What does it mean? The adjective “inspiring” comes from the verb “to inspire”. A person – but also for example in a book – can be inspiring when he/she/it gives you interesting ideas that motivate you to do something or have a better life.
How is it pronounced? /ɪnˈspɑɪərɪŋ/
The stress is on the second syllable.
What a charismatic person!
What does it mean? The person is very charming and others admire him/her. The adjective “charismatic” comes from the noun “charisma”. A person attracts the attention of others and others see him as a leader.
How is it pronounced? /ˌkerəzˈmætɪk/
You stress the third syllable.
To describe abilities
She is a terrific public speaker.
What does it mean? She is a great public speaker.
How is it pronounced? /təˈrɪfɪk/
The stress is on the second syllable.
He has an extraordinary ability to convince people.
What does it mean? He is very good at convincing people. His ability to convince others is special and not normal.
How is it pronounced? /ɪkˈstrɔːdənəri/
The word has five syllables. Note that you do not pronounce the “a” in the second syllable. You stress the second syllable and it is long.
To describe products
We only sell high-quality products in our store.
What does it mean? The products or services are very good or well-made. The quality of the products is very good.
How is it pronounced? /hɑɪˈkwɑːləti/
The stress is on the first syllable of “quality”.
Skype is a useful service. It saves me a lot of money.
What does it mean? The service is helpful. It helps you to save money and/or time.
How is it pronounced? /ˈjuːsfəl/
There are two syllables. You stress the first syllable and do not pronounce the “e”.
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How to learn the vocabulary
Here you can see the flashcards of the 15 words presented above. You can listen to, study and memorize the vocabulary using the flashcards, and then test yourself using these flashcards.
Remember to study the words and repeat them regularly. You can also these free tools to practice your pronunciation
Here is a study set for you to learn:
Here you can study the spelling:
You can study the spelling and pronunciation, test yourself, and save the flashcards on Quizlet here:
Happy learning!
Now we would like to hear from you
Which one of these will you use the next time you want to describe something as “good”?
Choose 1-2 of the adjectives from the list and write a sentence with them. Share your sentences in the comments below!
I look forward to reading your creative comments!
Further reading:
Use these 20 English words instead of “very”
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Excellent and informative too. Thanks for the same.