sound good

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Used to say that an idea, plan, or suggestion seems good or acceptable to you.

   Grammar: It often stands alone as a reply, or follows the thing being judged: 'That plan sounds good.'

   Patterns

   • something sounds good
   • sound good to someone
   • 'Sound good?' (checking agreement)

   Let's meet at seven outside the station. — Sound good!

   The idea of a short break sounds good to me right now.

   We could share a taxi. Does that sound good to you?

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used to describe words, music, or a voice that is pleasant to hear.

   Grammar: Here the subject is a sound or piece of music: 'That guitar sounds good.'

   Patterns

   • something sounds good
   • sound good on something

   The band sounded good last night, even without a drummer.

   Your new speakers sound good with jazz.

   She has a voice that sounds good even when she's just talking.

Common combinations

sound good to someone

A walk by the river sounds good to me.

that sounds good

You'll pick me up at eight? That sounds good.

sound good in theory

The plan sounds good in theory, but it will cost too much.

sound good on paper

The schedule sounds good on paper, but we never keep to it.

Sound good?

We'll split the bill. Sound good?

Synonyms and how they differ

sound great

Stronger and more enthusiastic than 'sound good'; use it when you really like the idea.

sound fine

Weaker and more neutral; it means acceptable rather than pleasing.

sound like a good idea

A fuller, slightly more formal way to say the same thing.

Opposites

Word family

sound verb

To seem a certain way when heard or described: 'It sounds easy.'

good adjective

Pleasant, acceptable, or of high quality.

Commonly confused: sound good or sound well?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “sound good”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words