A1 Collocation Neutral 2 min read

good idea

فكرة جيدة

Use it to instantly validate a suggestion and show you are on board with a plan.

In 15 Seconds

  • A simple way to agree with a smart suggestion.
  • Works in both casual chats and professional meetings.
  • Shows the speaker you value their thoughts and logic.

Meaning

When someone suggests a plan or shares a thought that you think is smart or helpful, you say this to show you agree with them.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Deciding on dinner with a partner

Ordering Thai food is a good idea.

طلب الطعام التايلاندي فكرة جيدة.

🤝
2

A colleague suggests a new filing system

That's a good idea, it will save us a lot of time.

هذه فكرة جيدة، ستوفر لنا الكثير من الوقت.

💼
3

Texting a friend about meeting later

Good idea! See you at 8.

فكرة جيدة! أراك في الثامنة.

😊
🌍

Cultural Background

In Western cultures, validating someone's input with 'good idea' is a key social lubricant used to maintain harmony and encourage participation. It reflects an egalitarian social structure where anyone's suggestion can be praised, regardless of their rank or age. It became a staple of 'Positive Reinforcement' culture in schools and workplaces starting in the mid-20th century.

💡

Add an Adverb

If you really like the idea, say 'Very good idea' or 'Really good idea' to show extra enthusiasm.

⚠️

Watch Your Tone

If you say it with a sigh or a rolling eye, it becomes sarcastic and means the idea is actually bad.

In 15 Seconds

  • A simple way to agree with a smart suggestion.
  • Works in both casual chats and professional meetings.
  • Shows the speaker you value their thoughts and logic.

What It Means

Good idea is your go-to phrase for saying "yes" to a suggestion. It tells the other person that their thought is smart. It shows you think their plan will work well. It is simple, positive, and very common.

How To Use It

You can use it as a short answer by itself. If a friend says, "Let’s get pizza," you just say, "Good idea!" You can also put it in a full sentence. For example, "That is a good idea." It works like a verbal high-five for someone's brain.

When To Use It

Use it when you are happy with a plan. Use it at work when a coworker solves a problem. Use it at a restaurant when a friend suggests sharing dessert. It is perfect for texting when you want to agree quickly without typing a long message. It makes people feel clever and appreciated.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it if you actually disagree. It can sound sarcastic if your voice is flat or mean. If someone suggests something dangerous, like jumping off a roof, saying "good idea" is a bad move! Also, in very high-level legal documents, people might use more formal words like "advisable."

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, being positive is a big part of social bonding. We love to encourage each other's creativity. Saying good idea is a way to build teamwork. It started as a simple description but became a standard polite response over many decades. It is one of the first things children learn to say to be helpful.

Common Variations

You can make it stronger by adding words. Try saying "Great idea!" or "Excellent idea!" if you really love the plan. If you want to be more casual, you can just say, "Good call." If you are in a professional meeting, you might say, "That's a solid idea." All of these keep the same friendly energy.

Usage Notes

This phrase is extremely versatile and safe for A1 learners. It has no hidden negative meanings unless used with a sarcastic tone.

💡

Add an Adverb

If you really like the idea, say 'Very good idea' or 'Really good idea' to show extra enthusiasm.

⚠️

Watch Your Tone

If you say it with a sigh or a rolling eye, it becomes sarcastic and means the idea is actually bad.

💬

The 'Good Call' Secret

In the US, people often say 'Good call' instead of 'Good idea' when you make a smart decision in the moment.

Examples

6
#1 Deciding on dinner with a partner
🤝

Ordering Thai food is a good idea.

طلب الطعام التايلاندي فكرة جيدة.

Shows agreement with a casual suggestion.

#2 A colleague suggests a new filing system
💼

That's a good idea, it will save us a lot of time.

هذه فكرة جيدة، ستوفر لنا الكثير من الوقت.

Professional validation of a work-related thought.

#3 Texting a friend about meeting later
😊

Good idea! See you at 8.

فكرة جيدة! أراك في الثامنة.

Short, punchy agreement in a digital chat.

#4 A friend suggests bringing an umbrella when it looks cloudy
🤝

Taking an umbrella was a really good idea.

كان أخذ المظلة فكرة جيدة حقاً.

Expressing gratitude for a smart decision made earlier.

#5 Sarcastic response to a silly mistake
😄

Oh sure, wearing white while eating spaghetti was a good idea.

أوه بالتأكيد، كان ارتداء اللون الأبيض أثناء تناول السباغيتي فكرة جيدة.

Used ironically to point out a mistake.

#6 Comforting someone who made a hard choice
💭

You did the right thing; it was a good idea to leave.

لقد فعلت الشيء الصحيح؛ كانت فكرة جيدة أن تغادر.

Providing emotional support for a decision.

Test Yourself

Choose the best word to complete the phrase of agreement.

Person A: 'We should study together.' Person B: 'That's a ___ idea!'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: good

'Good idea' is the standard collocation used to agree with a suggestion.

Which response shows you like the plan?

___ idea! Let's go to the park.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Good

'Good idea' expresses positive agreement with the plan to go to the park.

🎉 Score: /2

Visual Learning Aids

Formality of 'Good Idea'

Casual

Used with friends and family.

Good idea!

Neutral

Safe for almost any situation.

That is a good idea.

Formal

Used in serious business contexts.

That would be a sound idea.

Where to say 'Good Idea'

Good Idea
💼

At the Office

Suggesting a meeting time.

🏠

At Home

Deciding what to cook.

🎬

Out with Friends

Choosing a movie to watch.

🎁

In a Store

Picking a gift for someone.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any problem.

Yes! If someone asks, 'Should we leave now?', you can simply reply, 'Good idea.'

'Great idea' is just more excited. Use great if the suggestion is perfect or very helpful.

Absolutely. It is very common to text Good idea! or even just Good idea.

Both work. In a sentence, use 'That is a good idea.' As a short reaction, just say 'Good idea!'

You can say 'I'm not sure about that' or 'I have a different idea' to be polite.

'Good call' is a slang version. It comes from sports where a referee makes a 'call' or decision.

Yes, it is used globally in all English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada.

Yes, you can say 'That was a good idea' to talk about a smart choice someone made yesterday.

No, it is not rude. It is seen as a polite and positive way to agree with them.

Related Phrases

Great idea

A more enthusiastic version of good idea.

Good call

Informal way to say someone made a smart decision.

That makes sense

Used when an idea is logical and understandable.

I'm on board

Idiom meaning you agree with the plan.

Sounds good

A very common way to agree to a suggested plan.

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