Alright by Me vs For Me – What’s the Difference in Real English Conversations for Learners?

Have you ever heard someone say, "That's alright by me" and wondered what exactly they meant? Maybe you've also heard, "That's alright for me" or even "That's alright with me" and started to feel a little confused. If so, you're not alone. These expressions may seem simple, but many English learners use them incorrectly or awkwardly. Understanding the small differences in expressions like these can make your English sound a lot more natural.

Let me tell you a quick story. A Korean student named Jisoo was talking with her American coworker. The coworker suggested moving their meeting to an earlier time. Jisoo replied, "That's alright for me," thinking she sounded polite and fluent. 

But the coworker paused for a moment—not confused, but sensing something just a bit off. Later, Jisoo learned that native speakers would more naturally say, "That's alright by me."

That tiny preposition “by” made all the difference.

✨ What Does "That's Alright by Me" Mean?

The phrase "That's alright by me" means:

“That’s okay from my perspective.” or “I have no objection.”

It’s often used in casual, spoken English to show agreement or acceptance.

Example:

"We could skip dessert tonight." — "That’s alright by me!"

This phrase is especially common in American English and gives your speech a warm, natural tone.

🌍 Etymology/Origin

The phrase uses "by" in the sense of personal judgment or viewpoint. It's similar to saying, "According to me, that's fine." This usage of "by" dates back to older English forms where it indicated agency or standpoint.

❌ 10 Common Mistakes and Practical Expressions

Avoid these common pitfalls and sound more natural in everyday English!

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❌ Mistake #1: "That's alright for me."

🙅 Sounds unnatural in casual conversation.

✅ Use: "That's alright by me."
Example:
A: "Let’s meet at 6?"
B: "That’s alright by me."

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❌ Mistake #2: "Works by me."

🙅 Grammatically incorrect and never used.

✅ Use: "Works for me."
Example:
A: "Let’s order pizza."
B: "Yeah, works for me!"

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❌ Mistake #3: "Fine for me."

🙅 Can sound awkward or too formal.

✅ Better: "Fine by me."
Example:
A: "We can skip the meeting."
B: "Fine by me."

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❌ Mistake #4: Confusing "by me" and "with me"

➡ These have different tones but are often mixed up.

✅ "With me" = I’m okay with it.
✅ "By me" = I have no objection.

Examples:

• "It’s okay with me if you bring a friend."

• "If you want to cancel, it’s fine by me."

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❌ Mistake #5: Using "to me" when agreement is meant

🙅 "To me" expresses opinion, not agreement.

✅ Correct use: "Makes sense to me" = I understand it.
❌ Don’t say "It’s fine to me."
✅ Instead: "It’s fine by me" / "It’s okay with me"

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❌ Mistake #6: Saying "I'm agree"

🙅 Incorrect verb form.

✅ Use: "I agree" or "I’m okay with that"
Examples:

• "I agree with your idea."

• "I’m okay with your decision."

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❌ Mistake #7: Saying "It’s no bad for me."

🙅 “No bad” isn’t natural English.

✅ Use: "It’s not bad" or "That’s fine with me."
Example:

• "The movie was not bad at all."

• "That plan sounds fine with me."

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❌ Mistake #8: "It fits to me."

🙅 Wrong preposition usage.

✅ Use: "It fits me" or "It works for me"
Examples:

• "This schedule fits me well."

• "That timing works for me."

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❌ Mistake #9: Using "I'm fine" in place of agreement

🙅 "I'm fine" is about your condition, not your opinion.

✅ Use: "I’m good with that" or "That’s fine by me."
Example:

• "Want to sit outside?"

• "I’m good with that."

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❌ Mistake #10: "No worries for me."

🙅 Slightly off — native speakers just say "No worries" or "No problem."

✅ Use: "No problem at all" / "No worries" / "All good with me"
Examples:

• "You’re a bit late? No worries."

• "That change? No problem at all."

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✅ Practical Expressions (Natural & Friendly)

Using "for" instead of "by" sounds awkward and is rarely used in natural conversation.

Use these in daily conversation to sound fluent and confident:

• ✔️ "Fine by me"

• ✔️ "It’s okay with me"

• ✔️ "That works for me"

• ✔️ "I’m good with that"

• ✔️ "No problem at all"

• ✔️ "Sounds good to me"

• ✔️ "I’m down with that" (very casual)

• ✔️ "It’s chill" (slang)

• ✔️ "Totally okay by me"

• ✔️ "All good on my end"

😍 Real-life Situations 

Personal:

• Friend: "Want to watch a movie instead of going out?"

• You: "That’s alright by me."

Workplace:

• Manager: "Let’s move the meeting to 9 a.m."

• You: "Sure, that’s fine by me."

Casual Group Decisions:

• "Pizza or burgers tonight?"

• "Anything’s fine by me."

⚡ Key Takeaways

• "That's alright by me" is a natural way to express agreement or indifference.

• Avoid awkward variations like "That’s alright for me."

• Use the correct prepositions: "by me," "for me," "with me," and "to me" have different meanings.

❓ FAQ

1. Is "That's alright by me" formal? — Not really. It’s casual but polite.

2. Can I say "That’s okay by me"? — Yes! It works the same way.

3. What's the difference between "by me" and "for me"? — "By me" = my opinion. "For me" = suits my needs/schedule.

4. Is "That works by me" correct? — No. Say "That works for me."

5. Is "That’s fine for me" okay? — Technically yes, but it's less natural.

6. Which is more common: "with me" or "by me"? — "With me" is more common overall; "by me" feels more idiomatic in agreement.

7. Can I use these in emails? — Yes, but soften them: "That should be fine by me."

8. Can I say "It’s alright" alone? — Yes, but it doesn’t show who agrees.

9. Can I use "by me" with commands? — Yes: "Do what you want. It’s all by me."

10. Is this British or American? — "By me" is more common in American English.

🔹 Quiz Time!

Choose the most natural answer:

1. "Want to skip lunch today?"
   A) That’s okay for me
   B) That’s alright by me ✅

2. "We can change the schedule."
   A) Works by me
   B) Works for me ✅

3. "Cancel the meeting?"
   A) Fine for me
   B) Fine by me ✅

4. "Let’s reschedule."
   A) I’m good with that ✅
   B) I’m good by that

5. "Does 3 p.m. suit you?"
   A) That’s fine for me ✅
   B) That’s fine by me

6. "I agree with that idea."
   A) That makes sense for me
   B) That makes sense to me ✅

7. "Are you okay with it?"
   A) I’m okay with it ✅
   B) I’m okay by it

8. "We’ll go later."
   A) It’s alright by me ✅
   B) It’s alright on me

9. "What about takeout?"
   A) That’s alright by me ✅
   B) That’s alright to me

10. "Let’s change the topic."
    A) No problem at all ✅
    B) Not a problem on me

📖 Mini Vocabulary Box

🌍 Cultural Tip – U.S. vs U.K. English Usage of "That's alright by me"

In the United States, the phrase "That's alright by me" is commonly used in casual conversations to express easygoing agreement, permission, or indifference. It's friendly, laid-back, and fits well in everyday, informal interactions.

🗣 Example (U.S.):
A: “We can meet at 6 instead of 5.”
B: “Sure, that’s alright by me.”

In British English, however, the phrase "by me" is much less common in this context. Instead, Brits are more likely to say:

• "That's alright with me"

• "That's fine"

• "I'm okay with that"

• "That suits me"

🗣 Example (U.K.):
A: “Mind if we delay it to 6?”
B: “That’s fine with me.” / “That suits me.”

✅ In the U.K., "with me" is the preferred preposition when expressing agreement or consent, especially in polite or neutral tones.

🇬🇧 U.K. Notes on “by me”

• "By me" in British English tends to be used in more literal or passive constructions, like:

  • “It was written by me.”

  • “The decision wasn’t made by me.”

• Using “by me” in the phrase “That’s alright by me” might sound unfamiliar or even slightly American to British ears.

• It’s not incorrect, but it’s not idiomatic or commonly used in the U.K.

✅ Summary Table: “Alright by me” vs. Alternatives

✔ Final Tip:

If you're learning English for global communication, "That's alright with me" is a safer, more universally accepted version. But if you're aiming for natural American-style English, "That's alright by me" will make you sound more fluent and native-like.

⭐ If You Learn Just One: Our Top Recommendation

Learn: "That’s alright by me"

Why? It’s one of the most natural, easygoing ways to agree or give permission in spoken English. It instantly makes your English sound relaxed and fluent, especially in American conversations. It’s short, friendly, and easy to remember. Master this, and you’ll sound much more like a native speaker in casual discussions.

☑ Just remember: While “That’s alright by me” is a natural and safe expression, not all “by me” phrases can replace “for me.” Learn this one confidently, and grow from here!

If you learn just one thing:
✅ Use “by me” only when you mean “I approve” or “I don’t mind.”
✅ Use “for me” when it’s about suitability, benefit, or help.

📅 References & Sources

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary

• Oxford English Dictionary

• Cambridge Dictionary

• British Council: Learn English

• BBC Learning English

• Walden University Academic Guides