Meaning & use
it's ok
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phraseinformal
Used to say that something is acceptable, satisfactory, or not a problem.
Grammar: Often stands alone as a response; can also be followed by if or with: It's OK if you're late.
Patterns
- it's OK
- it's OK if ...
- it's OK with someone
It's OK, you don't have to apologize.
Is it OK if I open the window?
It's OK with me if we meet at six.
phrasefixed phraseinformal
Used to comfort someone or to say that they should not worry.
Grammar: Said to someone who is upset; often followed by a reassuring statement.
Patterns
- it's OK, ...
- it's OK to ...
It's OK, you did your best.
It's OK to feel nervous before a test.
Don't cry. It's OK.
phrasefixed phraseinformal
Used to say that something is not very good but is acceptable; neither bad nor good.
Grammar: Often used with a slight sigh; stress on OK.
Patterns
- it's OK
- it's just OK
The movie was OK, but I wouldn't watch it again.
How was the food? — It was OK.
Common combinations
- it's OK if
- It's OK if you can't come.
- it's OK with me
- It's OK with me if you want to leave early.
- it's OK to
- It's OK to ask for help.
- that's OK
- That's OK, I can wait.
- everything's OK
- Don't worry, everything's OK.
Synonyms and how they differ
- it's fine
- Very similar, but can sound slightly more dismissive or less warm.
- no problem
- Used especially as a response to thanks or a request; it's OK is more general.
- it's all right
- Almost the same meaning, but a little more formal in British English.
Opposites
Commonly confused: it's ok or OK?
it's ok vs OK
OK can also mean 'all right' or 'yes'; it's OK specifically describes a situation or gives reassurance.
Practice
Complete the sentence: ______ if I borrow your pen?
Choose one answer.
To ask for permission, use the question form Is it OK ...? The other options are not correctly formed questions or are missing the verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “it's ok”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.