a very nice boy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very nice boy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a boy who is kind, pleasant, or well-mannered. Example: "Everyone in the neighborhood agrees that he is a very nice boy who always helps others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A very nice boy.

The Guardian - Sport

"Dominic's a very nice boy," he said.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

My second driver, he was a very nice boy.

The New York Times - Arts

But he was a very nice boy and well liked".

The Guardian

Eric Clapton — a very nice boy — had a terrible crush on me".

The New Yorker

He was a very nice boy he was very caring boy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Michael wrote to his mentor, the potter Bernard Leach: "He is a very nice little boy with good hands & long potter's fingers".

The Guardian - Arts

Michael wrote to his mentor, the potter Bernard Leach: "He is a very nice little boy with good hands & long potter's fingers". His mother, Mariel Russell, a painter, had taken diplomas in geography and anthropology, followed by an honours degree at Oxford, while his father had read classics before apprenticing himself to Leach in 1923.

The Guardian - Arts

The story of how Mr. Lang, a very nice Jewish boy from Roslyn, Long Island, who worked for years at Le Cirque and Daniel, found himself serving steaks at a strip joint and pulling pork at Daisy May's BBQ USA next door, on this formerly nondescript block of 11th Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets, is quite a saga.

The New York Times - Food

"Very nice boys," Mr. Esposito said.

The New York Times - Food

People fight for space like animals in the jungle, and those making the best careers are mostly very nice boys".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very nice boy" to convey a genuine and positive impression of the boy's character and behavior. Ensure the context aligns with this positive connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "a very nice boy" in highly formal or professional settings where a more sophisticated or specific description might be more appropriate. Consider using terms like "well-mannered", "respectful", or "promising" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very nice boy" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "boy". It serves to provide a positive description of the boy's character. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use in describing someone favorably.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very nice boy" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a boy who is kind, pleasant, and well-mannered. As noted by Ludwig, it is frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal settings, opting for more specific descriptors when appropriate. The phrase effectively conveys a positive sentiment and is well-understood across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a very pleasant boy

Replaces "nice" with a synonym conveying a similar positive attribute.

a really nice boy

Uses "really" instead of "very" to intensify the adjective.

a kind boy

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the positive connotation.

a good-natured boy

Emphasizes the boy's friendly and agreeable nature.

a well-behaved boy

Focuses on the boy's good manners and conduct.

an amiable boy

Uses a more formal synonym for "nice".

a charming boy

Highlights the boy's attractive and pleasing personality.

a delightful boy

Emphasizes the joy and pleasure the boy brings.

a lovely boy

Uses a British English term for "nice".

a sweet boy

Implies the boy is gentle and kind.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very nice boy" to describe someone who is kind, pleasant, and well-mannered, for example: "Everyone agrees that he is "a very nice boy" who always helps others."

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

Alternatives include "a very pleasant boy", "a really nice boy", or "a kind boy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a very nice boy" in a formal setting?

While grammatically correct, "a very nice boy" might sound too informal for professional or academic contexts. Consider using more specific and sophisticated descriptors like "well-mannered" or "respectful".

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

"A good boy" often implies obedience and adherence to rules, while ""a very nice boy"" emphasizes kindness, pleasantness, and overall positive character traits.