a nice thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nice thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something pleasant or kind that has been done or said. Example: "It was such a nice thing for her to bring me flowers on my birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a nice thing".

The New York Times - Sports

That's a nice thing.

The New York Times - Sports

That was a nice thing to discover.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It wasn't a nice thing.

The Guardian - Sport

They ruined a nice thing.

The New York Times - Sports

That's definitely a nice thing.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a nice thing with this class.

Stanford University

"What a nice thing to say".

The New Yorker

For me, it was a nice thing".

The New York Times - Arts

That's a nice thing to know.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it's certainly not a nice thing that she's done.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a nice thing" to express genuine appreciation or acknowledgement of someone's actions or qualities. For example, "It was a nice thing of you to remember my birthday."

Common error

While "a nice thing" is perfectly acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to convey your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nice thing" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or direct object in a sentence. Ludwig examples showcase its use in expressing appreciation or acknowledging positive actions and qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a nice thing" is a versatile expression used to convey positive sentiment and appreciation across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While frequent in news and media, as well as informal settings, careful consideration of register is important in more formal writing. For increased precision and impact, consider using alternatives like "a welcome gesture" or "a kind deed". In conclusion, "a nice thing" is valuable for general communication but requires thoughtful application based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wonderful thing

Indicates a high degree of positivity and satisfaction.

a lovely gesture

Emphasizes the beauty and grace of an action.

a welcome gesture

Emphasizes the positive reception and appreciation of an action.

a thoughtful touch

Underscores the consideration and attention to detail involved.

a kind deed

Highlights the benevolence and thoughtfulness behind an act.

a pleasant surprise

Focuses on the unexpected and agreeable nature of something.

a generous act

Stresses the magnanimity and unselfishness of an action.

a sweet sentiment

Highlights the endearing and heartfelt nature of something said or done.

a positive aspect

Focuses on the advantageous or beneficial characteristic of something.

a silver lining

Highlights the optimistic or hopeful part of a bad situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a nice thing" in a sentence?

You can use "a nice thing" to describe something that is pleasant, kind, or appreciated. For example, "It's "a nice thing" to help others in need" or "Receiving that award was "a nice thing"".

What are some alternatives to "a nice thing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a welcome gesture", "a kind deed", "a thoughtful touch", or "a pleasant surprise".

Is it appropriate to use "a nice thing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a nice thing" may sound too informal for some professional or academic contexts. Consider using more precise and sophisticated language to convey your meaning in such situations.

What's the difference between "a nice thing" and "a good thing"?

"A nice thing" generally refers to something that is pleasant or kind, while "a good thing" typically refers to something that is beneficial or morally right. For example, helping someone is "a good thing", and receiving a compliment is "a nice thing".