That's too bad vs that's so bad

Both 'that's too bad' and 'that's so bad' are correct phrases, but they have different meanings. 'That's too bad' is used to express sympathy or disappointment, while 'that's so bad' is used to emphasize how awful something is.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 27, 2025 • 6150 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express sympathy or disappointment.

"That's too bad"

This phrase is used to show empathy or regret about a situation. It is often used in response to bad news or unfortunate events.

Examples:

I heard your flight got canceled. That's too bad.
It's too bad that you couldn't make it to the party.
That's too bad about your lost wallet.

Alternatives:

that's unfortunate
that's a shame
that's sad
that's regrettable
that's disappointing

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize how bad something is.

"that's so bad"

This phrase is used to strongly emphasize the severity or negativity of a situation. It is often used informally in casual conversations.

Examples:

She failed the exam. That's so bad.
The weather ruined our picnic. That's so bad.
I can't believe he said that. That's so bad.

Show examples from the web [+]

Tell me, what have you done that's so bad?
What's she doing that's so bad?
What did Dylan do that's so bad that you couldn't tell me this whole time?
There's a play that's so bad, it'll still be running when you get out.
Well, that's so bad guys can't see me bleed.
In a fifth sequel that's so bad even Steve Guttenberg refused to be in it...
I'm talking about a place that's so bad it's unconstitutional.
It's a habit that compels you in an obsessive way that's so bad, it's a disorder.
There's nothing you do that's so bad that we can't sort it out.
Whatever's happened that's so bad you think you can't talk to me about it...
What did she do that's so bad that you won't talk to her?
What have I done that's so bad, officer?
So show me what's on Twitter that's so bad that I should see.
I mean, you really think there's a secret you have that's so bad, you can't tell me?
It's poetry that's so bad, it goes around the world, and it's
That's so bad, it's almost good.
I don't think that's so bad.
And that's so bad.
What the hell can a one-month-old do that's so bad his parents give him back?
That's so bad for your ears.

Alternatives:

that's terrible
that's awful
that's dreadful
that's horrendous
that's appalling

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That's too bad vs that's so bad

"That's too bad"

"that's so bad"

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