a very nice ball

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very nice ball" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a ball that is pleasing in appearance, quality, or performance, often in contexts related to sports or events. Example: "The children were excited to play with a very nice ball that sparkled in the sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Lee Brewster had a very nice ball.

The New York Times

2.03pm GMT 5th over: Bangladesh 22-3 (Rahim 1 Anamul 13) That was actually a very nice ball from Kumar, shaping back into the left-hander on a good length, although the batsman had his bat a long way away from his body.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Altidore is then put through by a very nice Johannson ball.

The Guardian - Sport

"The other guy, Bledsoe, is a guy who stands in the pocket, is not as agile as Brady and throws a very nice long ball.

The New York Times - Sports

Prior b Taylor 87 End of a very nice innings, 86 balls and just five fours, but classy striking all the same.

The Guardian - Sport

A very nice simulation of balls interacting in a box that keeps track of the speed and kinetic energy of individual molecules is freely available (LeMaster, 2011).

CBE Life Sciences Education

"He has a very nice swing, he hits the ball very well, he has a very good short game".

The New York Times - Sports

Balls even got a "very nice" text from George Osborne.

The Guardian

Pietersen circumspect, leaving and blocking all six balls, Siddle bowling a very nice line and looking fairly sharp.

The Guardian - Sport

He embraced the game ball afterward almost as tightly as he embraced Duncan; a very nice scene.

The Washington Post

"A very nice man!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very nice ball" to compliment someone's possession, showing appreciation for its quality or craftsmanship.

Common error

Avoid using "a very nice ball" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive terms to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding overly casual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very nice ball" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. It combines an intensifier ("very"), a general adjective of approval ("nice"), and a noun ("ball") to express a positive assessment of the ball's qualities, as shown by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very nice ball" is grammatically correct and functions as a descriptive phrase used to express appreciation or approval. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it's most frequently found in news and media and sports contexts. While generally neutral in register, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Consider using more specific adjectives to maintain a professional tone. Remember to adapt your word choice based on the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "an excellent ball" or "a delightful ball" can add subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delightful ball

Replaces "very nice" with a synonym that suggests pleasure and enjoyment.

a pleasant ball

Substitutes "very nice" with a more general term for something agreeable.

an excellent ball

Emphasizes the high quality or superior nature of the ball.

a superb ball

Highlights the exceptional quality of the ball.

a wonderful ball

Indicates a feeling of admiration and pleasure regarding the ball.

a lovely ball

Suggests a charming and attractive quality of the ball.

a fine ball

Emphasizes the ball's high quality and elegance.

a good ball

A more simple and general way to convey the positive quality of the ball.

a well-made ball

Focuses on the craftsmanship and quality of construction of the ball.

a quality ball

Highlights the high standard and worth of the ball.

FAQs

How can I use "a very nice ball" in a sentence?

You can use "a very nice ball" to describe a skillful play in sports, like "He delivered "a very nice ball" to the receiver". It can also describe the object itself.

What are some alternatives to saying "a very nice ball"?

Alternatives include "a delightful ball", "an excellent ball", or "a pleasant ball", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate in informal conversations, sports commentary, or when generally complimenting something. However, in highly formal writing, consider using more precise language.

What's the difference between "a very nice ball" and "a well-made ball"?

"A very nice ball" is more general and expresses subjective appreciation, while "a well-made ball" specifically highlights the quality of its construction and craftsmanship.