a nice one at that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nice one at that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is particularly good or commendable, often in contrast to other options or expectations. Example: "The restaurant served a delicious meal, and it was a nice one at that, exceeding all my expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And not even a nice one at that.

Vice

And a nice one, at that, delivering the message that when it comes to apps, Apple's got the right formula while others are still looking for a way to somehow play catch-up.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

That is a judgment against another person (and not a very nice one at that).

WikiHow

"It was a nice one to get at 16 — it was blowing downwind and that green has been pretty firm all week.

Los Angeles Times

She spills coffee on it and then lends Ed a nicer one that she found.

Wikipedia

"That's a nice one," she said.

The New York Times

"Oh yeah, 'The Blue Time.' That's a nice one".

The New Yorker

"That was a surprise but a nice one," Stoute said.

The Guardian - Sport

"The new opening partnership at Kent is a nice one.

The Guardian - Sport

Various brands of lead holders have sharpeners at the tip of the pencil (Staedtler makes a nice one).

WikiHow

"But a nice one".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a nice one at that" to emphasize a positive quality or unexpected benefit, especially when contrasting it with something else. This adds a layer of appreciation or surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "a nice one at that" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound too casual or conversational for such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nice one at that" functions as an emphatic appositive, adding a layer of positive reinforcement to a preceding statement. As shown in Ludwig, it is used to underscore that something is not just good, but notably so. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nice one at that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize the positive qualities of something, often unexpectedly. Ludwig's examples and the AI analysis highlight its usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, its suitability varies with register, making it ideal for neutral to informal settings but potentially less fitting for highly formal or academic writing. Consider its emphatic nature to add impact, but avoid overuse. Use it to emphasize a positive quality or unexpected benefit, especially when contrasting it with something else. Be mindful of the register and choose more formal alternatives for academic or professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good one indeed

Emphasizes the positive quality, replacing 'nice' with 'good' and adding 'indeed' for reinforcement.

a fine example of it

Highlights the exemplary nature, focusing on the quality as being a superior instance.

an excellent one to boot

Indicates that something is excellent and adds an extra benefit or feature.

a splendid one as well

Uses 'splendid' to convey high quality, and 'as well' to add further affirmation.

a great one in addition

Similar to "a splendid one as well", using 'great' instead of 'splendid'.

a remarkable one too

Highlights the noteworthy quality of something.

a decent one at that

A milder form, suggesting acceptability rather than exceptional quality.

a welcome one at that

Expresses that something is appreciated or gladly received, emphasizing its positive impact.

a surprising one at that

Indicates something was unexpected in a positive way.

a rare one at that

Emphasizes the uncommon or unique nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a nice one at that" in a sentence?

Use "a nice one at that" to emphasize a positive aspect of something, often unexpectedly. For example, "The restaurant served a delicious meal, and it was "a nice one at that", exceeding all my expectations."

What are some alternatives to "a nice one at that"?

You can use alternatives like "a good one indeed", "a fine example of it", or "an excellent one to boot" to express a similar sentiment.

Is "a nice one at that" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a nice one at that" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. Formal writing may benefit from more sophisticated alternatives.

What does "a nice one at that" imply?

It implies that something is not only good but also unexpectedly or surprisingly so, adding emphasis to its positive qualities.