a nice number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nice number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a number that is considered pleasant, appealing, or favorable in a specific context, such as in mathematics or personal preferences. Example: "I think 10 is a nice number because it is easy to work with and often used in various calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"But it's a nice number".

The New York Times - Sports

Five is a nice number.

The Guardian - Sport

Schroeder (Jordan Barbour) also has a nice number of his own, "Beethoven Day," late in Act I.

The New York Times

646 is a nice number, a balanced number, a number easy to remember and, no doubt, to dial.

The New Yorker

Nonetheless, he has an idea for a new poem or, rather, three new poems (three being a nice number).

The New Yorker

Pressed on his "jolly" remark, Harrington said with a laugh to the BBC: "It's a nice number, isn't it?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"We have a very nice number of submissions," Ms. Towner said, adding, "We see the value in each and every submission".

The New York Times

Zero is starting to look like a pretty nice number to some U.S. scientists.

Science Magazine

We could apply different units to G through some equivalency and wind up with a really nice number, like one (the nicest number actually).

Vice

A nice round number, but still, just a number.

The New York Times - Sports

She mixed in a few nice numbers from her previous album, "The Fall," a disc that hinted at the departure to come, and offered even-handed, honest covers of work by Tom Waits, Hank Williams and the Grateful Dead.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a nice number" when you want to express that a quantity or value is pleasing, adequate, or appropriate for a specific situation. It's often used to convey a sense of satisfaction or mild approval.

Common error

While "a nice number" is perfectly acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nice number" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "number". It serves to express a subjective assessment of a numerical value, indicating that it is pleasing, satisfactory, or appropriate in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Sport

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a nice number" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a particular number is pleasing, satisfactory, or appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Sport. While suitable for many situations, it should be used cautiously in highly formal or technical writing. Alternatives such as "a pleasant number" or "a satisfactory number" may be more appropriate in such contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pleasant number

Replaces "nice" with "pleasant", maintaining the positive connotation but offering a slightly different tone.

a satisfactory number

Substitutes "nice" with "satisfactory", emphasizing that the number meets expectations or requirements.

an agreeable number

Replaces "nice" with "agreeable", suggesting that the number is pleasing or acceptable.

a favorable number

Substitutes "nice" with "favorable", highlighting that the number is advantageous or beneficial.

a respectable number

Replaces "nice" with "respectable", implying that the number is of a good or considerable size.

a decent number

Replaces "nice" with "decent", suggesting the number is adequate or acceptable.

a suitable number

Substitutes "nice" with "suitable", emphasizing that the number is appropriate for a particular purpose or situation.

a welcome number

Replaces "nice" with "welcome", suggesting the number is gladly received or appreciated.

a gratifying number

Substitutes "nice" with "gratifying", highlighting that the number brings satisfaction or pleasure.

a handsome number

Replaces "nice" with "handsome", suggesting the number is impressively large or significant.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe a number as "a nice number"?

Describing a number as "a nice number" typically means it's considered satisfactory, pleasing, or appropriate in a particular context. The interpretation can vary depending on what's being measured or discussed.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a nice number"?

It's appropriate to use "a nice number" in informal or semi-formal contexts where you want to express a general sense of approval or satisfaction with a certain quantity or value.

What can I say instead of "a nice number" to sound more formal?

For more formal alternatives, consider using phrases like "a satisfactory number", "an acceptable number", or "a favorable number" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "a good number" and "a nice number"?

While both phrases express approval, "a good number" generally emphasizes quantity or amount, whereas "a nice number" can also imply a sense of aesthetic or mathematical appeal. Consider replacing with "a pleasant number".