a nice turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nice turn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a pleasant or favorable change in a situation or direction, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The story took a nice turn when the protagonist discovered the hidden treasure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Lyon gives it a nice turn.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a nice turn of phrase, if a trifle glib.

The Guardian - Film

Sean Gormley adds a nice turn as Willie Diver.

The New York Times

I'm a big fan of a nice turn of phrase.

The Guardian

Kennedy gives a nice turn as Dennis, the cross-dressing boy of the title.

Independent

Gabrielle Lee is seductive as Nurse Hannah, and Messeret Stroman delivers a nice turn as Rachael.

The New York Times

Steve Buscemi does a nice turn as a poet/bank robber -- yes, a poet/bank robber.

The New York Times

Being an effective IMF chief means more than having a nice turn of phrase.

The Guardian - Business

Joli Tribuzio, who assisted with the directing, delivers a nice turn as Angie, Sonny's bickering wife.

The New York Times

Eisenhower himself does a nice turn in the tale as a kind of Father Knows Best.

The New York Times - Books

In a nice turn, Judith Mayhew sits on the mayor's informal cabinet as his adviser on financial and business affairs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a nice turn" to subtly highlight a positive development without being overly enthusiastic. It's perfect for understated writing where you want to convey a sense of pleasant surprise or satisfaction without grand declarations.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "a nice turn" can sound repetitive in formal writing. Vary your language by opting for synonyms like "favorable outcome" or "positive shift" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nice turn" primarily functions as a noun phrase, with "nice" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "turn". Ludwig shows it's often used to describe a positive or welcome development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a nice turn" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a positive change or development. Ludwig AI indicates that its primary function is to express approval or satisfaction, often appearing in neutral registers within news and media contexts. While it's a versatile phrase, considering synonyms like "pleasant development" or "welcome change" can enhance your writing and prevent repetitiveness. Remember to wield it with subtlety to make the most of its understated charm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pleasant development

Focuses on the idea of something unfolding in a positive manner.

a welcome change

Emphasizes that the turn is something that is happily received or anticipated.

a favorable outcome

Highlights the positive result or consequence of the turn.

a positive shift

Indicates a change in direction or attitude that is beneficial.

a good twist

Implies an unexpected but pleasing alteration in events or perspective.

a fortunate event

Highlights the luck or chance associated with the occurrence.

a happy coincidence

Similar to a fortunate event, but with a stronger emphasis on chance alignment.

an agreeable alteration

More formal, suggesting a modification that is pleasing or acceptable.

a satisfying resolution

Implies that the turn leads to a conclusion that is pleasing and fulfilling.

an encouraging upturn

Specifically refers to an improvement after a period of decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "a nice turn" to describe a positive change or development in a situation. For example, "The project took "a nice turn" when we secured the funding."

What can I say instead of "a nice turn"?

Alternatives to "a nice turn" include "pleasant development", "welcome change", or "favorable outcome" depending on the specific context.

Is "a nice turn of events" the same as "a nice turn"?

"A nice turn of events" and "a nice turn" are similar, but "a nice turn of events" is more specific to describing a sequence of happenings, while "a nice turn" can apply to a single change or action.

When is it appropriate to use "a nice turn" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "a nice turn" in writing when you want to subtly convey a sense of positive change or improvement without being overly effusive, particularly in news reporting, reviews, or descriptive narratives.