Sometimes “good night” is exactly right. Other times, you may want something warmer, more casual, more affectionate, more professional, or simply less repetitive.
The best other ways to say good night depend on what you mean and who you’re talking to. “Sleep well” is a natural choice when someone is heading to bed. “Sweet dreams” sounds warmer and more affectionate. “Night!” works well with close friends, while “Have a restful evening” can fit a more professional setting.
You can also choose a phrase based on whether you’re ending a conversation, leaving work, texting a friend, saying goodnight to a child, or talking to someone you love.
Here are 30 natural alternatives, followed by practical examples and guidance to help you choose the right one.
The Best Alternatives to “Good Night” at a Glance
If you need a quick answer, these are some of the most useful alternatives to “good night” in everyday American English:
| Alternative | Tone | Formality | Best For | Example |
| Sleep well | Warm | Neutral | Almost anyone | “You have an early morning. Sleep well.” |
| Sweet dreams | Affectionate | Casual | Friends, family, partners | “Good night, Mom. Sweet dreams.” |
| Sleep tight | Playful | Casual | Friends, family, children | “Sleep tight. See you tomorrow.” |
| Rest well | Caring | Neutral | Someone who’s tired | “You’ve had a long day. Rest well.” |
| Have a restful night | Polite | Semi-formal | Coworkers, acquaintances | “I hope you have a restful night.” |
| Have a good night’s sleep | Caring | Neutral | General use | “Have a good night’s sleep.” |
| Night! | Very casual | Informal | Friends, family | “I’m heading to bed. Night!” |
| Nighty night! | Cute | Informal | Children, close relationships | “Nighty night! Sleep tight.” |
| See you tomorrow | Friendly | Neutral | People you’ll see tomorrow | “Good night. See you tomorrow.” |
| Talk to you tomorrow | Casual | Neutral | Texting, calls | “I’m going to bed. Talk to you tomorrow.” |
| Rest easy | Reassuring | Neutral | Friends, family | “Don’t worry about it. Rest easy tonight.” |
| Get some rest | Caring | Casual | Someone who’s exhausted | “You’ve been working all day. Get some rest.” |
| Have a peaceful night | Warm | Neutral | Caring situations | “I hope you have a peaceful night.” |
| Pleasant dreams | Gentle | Semi-formal | Written messages | “Wishing you pleasant dreams.” |
| Rest up | Casual | Informal | Friends, coworkers | “You’ve got a big day tomorrow. Rest up.” |
The key is not to treat these phrases as perfect synonyms. “Good night,” “sleep well,” and “have a good night” can overlap, but they don’t always communicate exactly the same thing.
The Most Natural Ways to Say “Good Night”
The safest alternatives are the ones you could actually hear in an ordinary conversation. They don’t sound overly poetic or rehearsed, and they work across a wide range of relationships.
Sleep well
“Sleep well” is one of the most natural alternatives to “good night.”
It directly wishes someone a good night’s sleep rather than simply marking the end of the conversation. That makes it especially appropriate when the person is actually going to bed.
You can use it with friends, family members, romantic partners, and people you know reasonably well.
Examples:
- “You look exhausted. Sleep well.”
- “I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well!”
- “Get some rest and sleep well tonight.”
It also works beautifully as an addition to “good night”:
“Good night. Sleep well.”
If you want one alternative that almost never feels out of place, “sleep well” is an excellent choice.
Sweet dreams
“Sweet dreams” is warmer and more affectionate than “sleep well.”
People commonly use it with children, romantic partners, family members, and close friends. The phrase focuses on pleasant dreams rather than sleep itself.
Examples:
- “Good night, honey. Sweet dreams.”
- “Sweet dreams! I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
- “Time for bed. Sweet dreams, little one.”
Because it carries emotional warmth, it isn’t the best choice for a customer, manager, or business client.
Sleep tight
“Sleep tight” is a familiar, playful way to wish someone a good night’s sleep.
It’s especially natural with children, family members, and close friends. You can also use it with a romantic partner.
Examples:
- “Sleep tight. See you in the morning.”
- “Good night, kiddo. Sleep tight.”
- “I’m heading to bed. Sleep tight!”
You may occasionally hear the longer expression “Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.” The full version is playful and traditional, while “sleep tight” on its own is more versatile.
Rest well
“Rest well” sounds caring without becoming overly intimate.
It works particularly well when someone has had a long day, worked hard, traveled, or isn’t feeling their best.
Examples:
- “You’ve been working all day. Rest well.”
- “Take it easy tonight and rest well.”
- “I hope you rest well after such a busy day.”
Compared with “sleep well,” “rest well” has a slightly broader meaning. The person doesn’t necessarily have to be going immediately to bed.
Have a restful night
“Have a restful night” sounds thoughtful and polished.
It’s useful when you want to be warm without sounding overly casual. You could use it with a coworker, acquaintance, or someone you’re helping.
Examples:
- “Thanks for your help today. Have a restful night.”
- “You’ve got an early start tomorrow. Have a restful night.”
- “I hope you have a restful night.”
It’s less common in everyday conversation than “sleep well,” but it can be useful when you want a slightly more deliberate tone.
Have a good night’s sleep
This phrase is more explicit than “good night.”
You’re directly wishing the person quality sleep rather than simply saying farewell.
Examples:
- “You’ve got a long day tomorrow. Have a good night’s sleep.”
- “I hope you have a good night’s sleep tonight.”
- “Get some rest and have a good night’s sleep.”
It’s especially natural when you’re expressing concern or care.
Pleasant dreams
“Pleasant dreams” is understandable and grammatically natural, but it sounds less conversational than “sweet dreams.”
You might see it more often in writing than in casual speech.
Example:
“Good night, and pleasant dreams.”
If your goal is everyday American English, “sweet dreams” will usually sound more natural.
Rest up
“Rest up” is an informal phrase that means to get enough rest so you’re ready for what’s coming next.
It doesn’t necessarily mean “go to sleep.” That’s what makes it useful in situations where someone needs to recharge.
Examples:
- “You’ve got a big presentation tomorrow. Rest up.”
- “Get home and rest up.”
- “I’ll let you go. Rest up for tomorrow.”
This phrase works particularly well with friends and coworkers.
Night!
“Night!” is simply a shorter, highly casual version of “good night.”
It’s common in texts, casual conversations, and interactions between people who know each other well.
Examples:
- “I’m exhausted. Night!”
- “Night! See you tomorrow.”
- “Okay, I’m going to bed. Night!”
It isn’t normally the phrase you’d choose when addressing a customer or someone in a formal professional situation.
Nighty night!
“Nighty night!” is cute, playful, and intentionally informal.
Adults may use it with children, partners, or close family members. It can sound silly or overly childish in a professional context.
Examples:
- “Nighty night, sweetheart.”
- “Okay, bedtime. Nighty night!”
- “Nighty night, buddy. Sleep tight.”
Use it because you want the playful tone. Don’t treat it as a standard replacement for “good night” in every situation.
See you in the morning
When you know you’ll see someone the next morning, “See you in the morning” can feel more personal than simply saying “good night.”
Examples:
- “Good night. See you in the morning.”
- “I’m going to bed. See you in the morning.”
- “All right, I’m off. See you in the morning.”
It works especially well between family members, roommates, coworkers on early shifts, and romantic partners.
Talk to you tomorrow
“Talk to you tomorrow” works especially well when you’re ending a phone call, text conversation, or online chat.
Examples:
- “I’m getting sleepy. Talk to you tomorrow!”
- “Okay, I’m heading to bed. Talk tomorrow.”
- “Good night! Talk to you tomorrow.”
The phrase focuses on your next conversation rather than sleep itself.
Professional Ways to Say “Good Night”
Professional situations require a little more attention to context. Fortunately, “good night” itself isn’t unprofessional. The important question is whether the phrase fits the interaction.
Have a restful evening
This sounds polite and thoughtful without becoming overly personal.
“Thanks for meeting with me. Have a restful evening.”
It’s particularly useful with coworkers, clients, or acquaintances when the conversation ends late.
Have a pleasant evening
“Have a pleasant evening” is a polished alternative when someone is leaving but probably isn’t going straight to bed.
For example, a customer leaving a business at 7 p.m. may still have dinner plans, errands, or other activities. In that case, wishing them a pleasant evening makes more sense than implying it’s bedtime.
I hope you have a restful night
This phrase adds warmth while maintaining a professional tone.
“Thank you for your time today. I hope you have a restful night.”
It’s suitable when you want to sound considerate without becoming overly familiar.
Have a good night, and I’ll see you tomorrow
Adding a specific next step can make the farewell feel natural.
“That’s everything for tonight. Have a good night, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
This works particularly well between coworkers.
Good night, and take care
This combines a nighttime farewell with a general expression of concern.
“Thanks for staying late. Good night, and take care.”
It’s warm but still appropriate for many workplace situations.
Casual Ways to Say “Good Night”
Casual conversations give you much more freedom.
Night!
Short, natural, and perfect for texting.
Sleep tight!
Playful without being overly cute.
Rest up!
Great when tomorrow will be busy.
Talk tomorrow!
A natural shortened form for texting.
Catch you tomorrow!
This works when you expect to see or speak with the person the next day.
Example:
“I’m calling it a night. Catch you tomorrow!”
The important point is that these phrases don’t all mean precisely the same thing. Some wish someone good sleep, while others simply mark the end of the conversation.
Warm and Caring Ways to Say “Good Night”
Sometimes the goal isn’t to sound creative. You simply want the other person to feel cared for.
Sleep well and get some rest
This combines two natural wishes.
“You’ve had a rough day. Sleep well and get some rest.”
I hope you sleep well tonight
This sounds sincere without being dramatic.
“You’ve got a lot going on tomorrow. I hope you sleep well tonight.”
Have a peaceful night
“Have a peaceful night” works well when someone needs calm after a stressful day.
“Forget about work for tonight. Have a peaceful night.”
Rest easy
“Rest easy” can sound reassuring and comforting.
“Everything is taken care of. Rest easy tonight.”
However, context matters. In some situations, “rest easy” can sound more solemn than “sleep well.”
Get some good rest
This is natural when you’re speaking to someone who’s tired.
“You’ve been going nonstop all day. Get some good rest.”
Cute and Affectionate Ways to Say “Good Night”
Cute expressions work best when the relationship already supports that level of warmth.
Sweet dreams!
Simple, familiar, and affectionate.
Nighty night!
Best for children and close relationships.
Dream sweet!
This is playful and less standard than “sweet dreams.” Use it when you deliberately want a cute tone.
Sleep well, sleepyhead!
This is teasing and affectionate.
“You’re barely keeping your eyes open. Sleep well, sleepyhead!”
Time for dreamland!
This sounds especially natural when talking to young children.
“Brush your teeth and get into bed. Time for dreamland!”
These expressions should not be presented as universal alternatives. The relationship matters just as much as the words.
Romantic Ways to Say “Good Night”
Romantic good night messages usually add affection rather than simply replacing one phrase with another.
Sweet dreams, love
“I’m heading to bed. Sweet dreams, love.”
Sleep well, babe
“You have an early morning. Sleep well, babe.”
Good night, sweetheart
This is more affectionate than a plain “good night.”
I hope you sleep peacefully tonight
This has a softer, more caring feel.
Dream of me
This is playful and openly romantic.
It can work between established partners, but it would sound far too intimate in a professional or casual acquaintance relationship.
I can’t wait to talk to you tomorrow
This doesn’t literally mean “good night,” but it can make an excellent romantic closing.
“Get some rest. I can’t wait to talk to you tomorrow.”
Funny and Playful Ways to Say “Good Night”
Humor can make a routine farewell more memorable.
Time to hit the hay
“Hit the hay” is an informal idiom meaning to go to bed.
“I’m wiped out. Time to hit the hay.”
I’m off to dreamland
This has a whimsical tone.
“It’s been a long day. I’m off to dreamland.”
Catch some Z’s
“Catch some Z’s” is a casual American expression meaning to get some sleep.
“I need to catch some Z’s before tomorrow’s meeting.”
Time to call it a night
This means you’re ready to stop what you’re doing for the evening.
“We’ve been talking for two hours. Time to call it a night.”
It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re immediately going to sleep.
Lights out!
This is short and playful.
“Okay, everyone. Lights out!”
Don’t let the bedbugs bite!
This is a familiar playful add-on to “good night.”
“Good night. Don’t let the bedbugs bite!”
It’s usually humorous rather than literal.
Good Night Alternatives for Texting
Text messages allow for shorter, more personal expressions.
| Situation | Natural text |
| Very casual | “Night!” |
| Friendly | “Sleep well!” |
| Caring | “Get some rest tonight.” |
| Affectionate | “Sweet dreams ❤️” |
| Romantic | “Sleep well, love.” |
| Ending a long chat | “I’m heading to bed. Talk tomorrow!” |
| Someone had a rough day | “Get some good rest. You deserve it.” |
| You will meet tomorrow | “Night! See you in the morning.” |
| Playful | “I’m off to dreamland 😂” |
| Extremely brief | “Nighty!” |
A text doesn’t need to sound elaborate to feel thoughtful. Often, one specific detail makes a short message warmer.
Compare:
“Good night.”
with:
“Good night. Good luck with your presentation tomorrow!”
The second message communicates attention and care without becoming overly sentimental.
How to Say “Good Night” to Different People
The right phrase changes with the relationship.
To a friend
Good choices include:
- Sleep well
- Night!
- Sleep tight
- Rest up
- Talk tomorrow
- Catch you tomorrow
Example:
“I’m crashing. Night! Catch you tomorrow.”
To family
Family conversations can be warmer and more relaxed.
- Good night
- Sleep well
- Sweet dreams
- Rest well
- See you in the morning
Example:
“Good night, Mom. Sleep well.”
To a coworker
Keep the wording neutral unless you already have a close friendship.
- Have a good night
- Have a good evening
- Have a restful evening
- See you tomorrow
- Take care
Example:
“We’re finally done. Have a good night. See you tomorrow.”
To your boss or manager
You don’t need an unusually formal substitute.
A simple phrase often sounds best:
“Have a good evening. See you tomorrow.”
Or:
“Good night. Have a good evening.”
Avoid overly intimate expressions such as “sweet dreams” unless your relationship clearly makes that appropriate.
To a customer or client
“Have a good evening” is often a particularly useful choice when the person is leaving but isn’t necessarily going to bed.
For example:
“Thanks for stopping by. Have a great evening!”
That sounds natural in customer service.
To someone you’re dating
Your choice depends on how close the relationship has become.
Early dating:
“Have a good night! Talk tomorrow.”
More affectionate:
“Sleep well. Sweet dreams.”
Established relationship:
“Good night, love. Sleep well.”
To your partner
You have more room for affection.
- Sweet dreams, love.
- Sleep well, babe.
- Good night, sweetheart.
- Rest well.
- See you in the morning.
The most natural choice is usually the one that sounds like your normal relationship, not a line copied from a greeting-card aisle.
Good Night Phrases for Emails
Email creates an interesting distinction because “good night” is usually a farewell phrase, not a formal email sign-off.
If you’re ending an evening email
Use:
- Have a good evening.
- Have a restful evening.
- Enjoy the rest of your evening.
- I hope you have a good night.
For example:
“Thanks for sending those files. I’ll review them first thing tomorrow. Have a good evening.”
If the person is actually going to bed
You can say:
“Thanks for your help. Have a restful night.”
Or:
“I hope you get some good rest tonight.”
What to use instead of “Good night” as an email sign-off
Don’t normally replace “Best,” “Regards,” or “Sincerely” with “Good night.”
For example:
Have a good evening.
Best,
Alex
The nighttime wish belongs naturally in the body of the email, while the conventional sign-off stays at the end.
“Good Night” vs. “Good Evening” vs. “Have a Good Night”
These expressions look similar, but they serve different purposes.
| Phrase | Main Function | Typical Meaning |
| Good evening | Greeting | Hello during the evening |
| Good night | Farewell | Goodbye for the night |
| Have a good night | Well-wish/farewell | Enjoy the rest of your night |
| Sleep well | Sleep wish | Get good rest |
| Sweet dreams | Affectionate sleep wish | Have pleasant dreams |
| Have a good evening | Evening well-wish | Enjoy the rest of your evening |
In standard contemporary American English, “good evening” is primarily a greeting, while “good night” commonly functions as a farewell or bedtime expression. Language references and usage discussions consistently make this distinction.
Consider this simple situation:
You arrive at a restaurant at 7:30 p.m.
“Good evening.”
You finish dinner and leave at 9:30 p.m.
“Good night. Thanks for everything.”
That distinction makes the two phrases much easier to remember.
Is “Have a good night” different?
Yes.
“Have a good night” can mean that you hope someone enjoys the rest of their evening. It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re about to go to bed.
For example:
“We’re heading home. Have a good night!”
The people staying behind might still have dinner, watch a movie, or go out.
By contrast:
“I’m going to bed. Good night!”
clearly marks bedtime.
“Good Night” vs. “Goodnight”: Which Is Correct?
Both forms appear in modern English, but “good night” is the standard two-word form for the familiar farewell.
For example:
“Good night, Mom.”
“Good night. See you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight” also appears as an informal closed form, especially in casual writing and some expressions. LanguageTool notes that “good night” is the standard spelling for the farewell while “goodnight” is used informally and also appears as a modifier in expressions such as “goodnight hug.”
The distinction becomes clearer in these examples:
- Good night, everyone.
- Have a good night.
- She gave me a goodnight kiss.
- We had a good night.
For careful standard writing, use “good night” when you’re saying farewell.
How to Choose the Right Good Night Alternative
Choosing the right phrase becomes easy when you start with the tone you want.
| If you want to sound… | Use… |
| Neutral | Sleep well |
| Casual | Night! |
| Warm | Rest well |
| Caring | I hope you sleep well |
| Affectionate | Sweet dreams |
| Playful | Sleep tight |
| Professional | Have a restful evening |
| Romantic | Sleep well, love |
| Cute | Nighty night! |
| Brief in a text | Night! |
| Certain you’ll meet tomorrow | See you in the morning |
| Ending a late conversation | Talk to you tomorrow |
| Someone is exhausted | Get some rest |
| Someone is still enjoying the evening | Have a good evening |
The most important rule is simple: match the phrase to the situation, not just the clock.
If someone is leaving your office at 6 p.m. to go home, “Have a good evening” may be more natural than “Sleep well.” If your friend says they’re turning in for the night, “Sleep well” makes perfect sense.
Which Good Night Alternatives Sound Most Natural in American English?
Not every phrase on a synonym list has the same level of everyday usage.
Most natural everyday choices
These are safe, familiar expressions:
- Good night
- Sleep well
- Sweet dreams
- Sleep tight
- Have a good night
- Night!
- See you tomorrow
- Talk to you tomorrow
- Rest well
- Get some rest
Natural but more context-dependent
These are useful when the situation supports them:
- Rest easy
- Rest up
- Have a restful night
- Have a peaceful night
- Have a good night’s sleep
- Catch some Z’s
- Time to call it a night
Playful or less common
These have a specific personality or style:
- Nighty night
- Pleasant dreams
- Off to dreamland
- Lights out
- Don’t let the bedbugs bite
A strong vocabulary isn’t about knowing the longest list possible. It’s about knowing which expression sounds normal in a particular moment.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Good Night Alternative
Using “good evening” as a direct replacement for “good night”
These phrases usually serve different functions.
Use “good evening” when greeting someone during the evening.
Use “good night” when saying goodbye at night or before bed.
Using “sweet dreams” professionally
“Sweet dreams” carries warmth and sometimes intimacy.
It’s natural with a child or partner. It can sound strange when directed at a customer or business client.
Using romantic language with the wrong person
“Sleep well, love” may be perfect for a partner and completely inappropriate for a coworker.
Always consider the relationship before choosing an affectionate expression.
Treating “take care” as an exact synonym
“Take care” is a useful farewell, but it doesn’t specifically mean “have a good night’s sleep.”
Compare:
“Good night. Sleep well.”
with:
“Take care. See you tomorrow.”
Both can end a conversation. Their meanings aren’t identical.
Using “see you later” when you mean bedtime
“See you later” says something about the next meeting or conversation. It doesn’t specifically wish someone restful sleep.
That’s why:
“Good night. See you tomorrow.”
can communicate more than:
“See you later.”
Good Night Examples in Real Conversations
The easiest way to understand these expressions is to see how native speakers might actually use them.
With a friend
Friend: “I’m exhausted. I’m going to bed.”
You: “Same here. Sleep well!”
This feels natural because the person has clearly announced bedtime.
With a coworker
Coworker: “I think that’s everything we needed to finish.”
You: “Yep. Have a good night. See you tomorrow.”
This works because you’re ending a workday rather than specifically wishing the coworker pleasant dreams.
With a partner
Partner: “I’m going to bed.”
You: “Okay, love. Sweet dreams.”
The affectionate phrase matches the relationship.
With a child
Parent: “Did you brush your teeth?”
Child: “Yes!”
Parent: “Good. Nighty night. Sleep tight!”
The playful language fits the age and relationship.
Ending a late phone call
Friend: “We could probably talk about this for another hour.”
You: “We definitely could, but we both need sleep. Talk to you tomorrow.”
This sounds more natural than forcing “good night” into every conversation.
In customer service
Customer: “Thanks for all your help.”
Employee: “You’re very welcome. Have a great evening!”
Here, “have a great evening” makes more sense than “sweet dreams” because the customer isn’t necessarily going to bed.
A Simple Decision Guide for Choosing the Right Phrase
When you’re unsure what to say, ask yourself three questions:
Is the person going to bed?
If yes, try:
- Sleep well
- Sweet dreams
- Sleep tight
- Rest well
Are they simply leaving for the evening?
Try:
- Have a good night
- Have a good evening
- Enjoy the rest of your evening
- Take care
Are you ending a casual conversation?
Try:
- Night!
- Talk tomorrow
- See you tomorrow
- Catch you tomorrow
This small distinction solves most situations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Other Ways to Say Good Night
What is another way to say “good night”?
Some of the most natural alternatives are “sleep well,” “sweet dreams,” “sleep tight,” “rest well,” “have a good night’s sleep,” and “have a restful night.” The best choice depends on whether you want to sound neutral, caring, playful, or affectionate.
What is the most natural way to say “good night”?
“Good night” itself is still the most natural and neutral option. If you want an alternative, “sleep well” is one of the easiest choices because it works in many everyday situations.
What is a professional way to say “good night”?
Try “Have a good evening,” “Have a restful evening,” or “Have a good night.” If the person is actually heading to bed, “Have a restful night” can work well.
How do you say “good night” casually?
Use phrases such as “Night!” “Sleep well!” “Sleep tight!” “Rest up!” or “Talk tomorrow!” These expressions work particularly well with friends, family, and people you know well.
What is a cute way to say “good night”?
“Nighty night!” “Sweet dreams!” “Sleep tight!” and “Sleep well, sleepyhead!” can all sound cute or playful.
What is a romantic way to say “good night”?
Try “Sweet dreams, love,” “Sleep well, babe,” “Good night, sweetheart,” or “I hope you sleep peacefully tonight.” The right choice depends on how affectionate you normally are with the person.
Is “have a good night” the same as “good night”?
Not exactly. “Good night” commonly functions as a farewell or bedtime expression. “Have a good night” can be a broader wish for someone to enjoy the rest of their evening and doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going straight to bed.
Is “sleep well” a good alternative to “good night”?
Yes. “Sleep well” is one of the closest natural alternatives when the person is actually going to bed. It focuses specifically on getting good rest.
Is “good evening” another way to say “good night”?
Usually, no. In contemporary American English, “good evening” is primarily used as a greeting, while “good night” is normally used as a farewell or bedtime expression.
Is “goodnight” one word or two?
For the standard farewell, “good night” is the safest form. “Goodnight” also appears as an informal alternative and as a modifier in expressions such as “goodnight kiss.”
Choose the Good Night Phrase That Fits the Moment
The best alternative to “good night” isn’t necessarily the most creative one. It’s the phrase that sounds natural for the person, situation, and relationship.
For everyday use, “sleep well” is a reliable choice. It directly wishes someone good rest without sounding overly formal or intimate.
When you want warmth, “sweet dreams” adds affection. With friends, “night!” keeps things short and relaxed. If someone has had a difficult or exhausting day, “get some rest” shows more care.
Professional situations call for a lighter touch. “Have a good evening” works well when someone is leaving work but still has an evening ahead. “Have a restful night” is better when the person is actually settling down for the night.
And when you’re texting someone you love, you don’t need a complicated line. “Sleep well, love” can say more than a paragraph ever could.
Ultimately, the most natural other ways to say good night come down to one thing: choose words that fit the moment. A simple “sleep well” can sound warmer than an elaborate phrase when it genuinely matches what you want to say.
