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Okay, OK

We use okay (also spelt OK) in informal language. We use it in different ways, as a discourse marker, adjective or adverb.

Okay as a discourse marker​

Agreeing​

We use okay as a response token to show that we understand, accept, or agree with what someone is saying:

  • A: I’ll see you at 5 in front of the library.
  • B: OK. See you later.
  • A: Why don’t you get a lift with Raviv?
  • B: Oh, okay.

Changing topic or closing a conversation​

We often use okay to show that we are moving on to a new topic or phase of conversation. This is common in situations where we are giving instructions:

  • Okay*, let’s get into groups of four now.*
  • [piano teacher to pupil]
  • OK*, right, let’s see. Now, keep that hand ready, so it’s there when you want it.*

We also use okay to mark the end of a conversation:

  • Right, okay, take care of yourself. Bye.

Checking understanding​

We often use okay? to check understanding. We usually put it in end position:

  • I know it’s difficult to talk … just nod or shake your head. OK?
  • Tie it the opposite way … just like tying a shoelace really, okay?

Okay as an adjective​

We often use okay as an adjective to say that something is not a problem, it’s ‘all right’:

  • A: Thanks for helping me out.
  • B: That’s OK. No problem.
  • A: Sorry to keep you waiting.
  • B: It’s okay.
  • ‘It’s OK, just tell me what to do,’ I said. I think I was a bit afraid, but I was trying to sound calm.

We often use okay to talk about our health:

  • A: How are you?
  • B: I’m okay, thanks.
  • [talking about someone who has been very ill]
  • She’s going to be OK.

We use okay to say that a situation or state is satisfactory, neither very good or very bad:

  • ‘What do you think of my plans?’ ‘They’re okay,’ Jenny said unenthusiastically.

Okay as an adverb​

Okay is used as an adverb in informal speech, meaning ‘all right’, ‘neither well nor badly’:

  • Even though I had never slept in a tent, in a sleeping bag or had any experience canoeing, I did OK.
  • The Internet was down all morning, but it seems to be working okay now.
See also
  • Discourse markers (so, right, okay)
  • All right and alright