a very nice guy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very nice guy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is kind, friendly, or pleasant in character. Example: "Everyone in the office agrees that Mark is a very nice guy; he always helps others and has a positive attitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"He was a very nice guy".

The New York Times

"Johan's a very nice guy," Roberts said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's a very nice guy, very friendly.

The New York Times

He was also a very nice guy.

The New York Times

"He's confident, polite, a very nice guy.

The Guardian

And he's a very nice guy.

The Guardian - Sport

"Jimmy is a brilliant sprinter and a very nice guy.

The Guardian

DT: And he was a very nice guy.

The Washington Post

I know him as a very nice guy".

The Guardian

He's certainly a great player and a very nice guy.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm a very nice guy off the field," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "a genuinely kind person" or "an exceptionally pleasant fellow" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your descriptions.

Common error

While "a very nice guy" is perfectly acceptable in informal settings, it can sound too casual in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "a respectable individual" or "a person of high character" in professional or academic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very nice guy" functions as an adjectival phrase used to describe a male individual. It serves to convey a positive impression of the person's character, highlighting their amiable qualities. Ludwig examples show it used to describe colleagues, acquaintances, and even public figures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very nice guy" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a male individual as kind and agreeable. It's mostly used in informal settings like conversations or casual content, but can be used neutrally in News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a widely understood and accepted expression. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "a genuinely kind person" or "an exceptionally pleasant fellow" for added nuance and formality, especially in professional or academic contexts. Be mindful of overusing the phrase, as it can sound repetitive. Overall, it's a useful phrase for conveying positive impressions in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuinely kind person

Emphasizes the person's inherent kindness.

a truly good soul

Highlights the person's moral character.

an exceptionally pleasant fellow

Focuses on the person's agreeable nature, using more formal language.

a remarkably amiable individual

Stresses the person's friendliness and approachability, using more formal language.

a thoroughly decent man

Highlights the person's respectability and integrity.

a remarkably gracious person

Emphasizes the person's courteous and refined behavior.

a decidedly agreeable character

Focuses on the person's pleasant and likable nature, using more formal language.

a wonderfully friendly chap

Highlights the person's approachable and warm demeanor, using informal language.

a supremely affable sort

Stresses the person's easygoing and sociable nature, using less common words.

an incredibly delightful human being

Emphasizes the person's ability to bring joy and pleasure to others.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very nice guy" to describe someone you find pleasant and kind. For example, "He's "a very nice guy"; he always helps others."

What are some alternatives to "a very nice guy"?

Alternatives include "a genuinely kind person", "a truly good soul", or "an exceptionally pleasant fellow", depending on the context and level of formality.

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

While grammatically correct, "a very nice guy" is generally considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Use more formal alternatives like "a respectable individual" or "a person of high character" instead.

What does it mean when someone is described as "a very nice guy"?

It typically means the person is kind, friendly, and agreeable. It suggests that they have a pleasant demeanor and are easy to get along with.