a very nice one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very nice one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something positively, often in response to a specific item or situation previously mentioned. Example: "I received a lovely gift for my birthday, and it was a very nice one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Just a few examples would be Ö in Tallinn; Vincents in Riga, Piano Terra in Prague, Belvedere in Warsaw: it's a tough life.But I am rather surprised to find that my hosts are spending their (presumably scarce) tax-forints in an Italian restaurant (admittedly a very nice one) with nothing distinctively Hungarian on the menu.

The Economist

King Mswati III is an interesting guy, but on the face of it, not a very nice one.

Vice

But Saul is probably best understood as a neighborhood restaurant, although a very nice one.

The New York Times - Food

Their own floor is still a work in progress, albeit a very nice one.

The New York Times

But a very nice one all the same, specifically dedicated to gay and lesbian travellers.

The Guardian - Travel

Underneath the fame was also a man who was a father and a husband, and not a very nice one.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

A Francis Bacon would be very nice: one of his big gloopy ones that looks like it's made out of pink toothpaste.

The Guardian - Books

When the reading finally gets under way, he opens his briefcase a "very nice" one borrowed from a friend and spreads out his papers.

The New Yorker

"Very nice!" one said.

Vice

I could quit the fight and enjoy a very nice life on one of my many luxury properties but I fight on.

The Washington Post

"He is a very nice guy, one of the nicest and a fighter on the court.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very nice one" to provide a succinct and positive assessment of something already under discussion. This phrasing adds emphasis to the positive quality without unnecessary elaboration.

Common error

While "a very nice one" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and lacking in descriptive variety. Strive for diverse vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very nice one" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, specifically used as a subject complement or object complement. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to describe something positively, often in response to a specific item or situation previously mentioned. Ludwig provides a lot of examples to illustrate this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Books

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very nice one" is a commonly used adjectival phrase to express positive sentiment or approval. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, reflecting a neutral register. While effective for conveying simple appreciation, writers should be mindful of overuse and explore more descriptive language for formal or specialized contexts. Consider alternatives like "a lovely one" or "a splendid one" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lovely one

Conveys a sense of beauty and charm.

a wonderful one

Expresses a feeling of great pleasure and satisfaction.

a fantastic one

Implies exceptional enjoyment and excitement.

a delightful one

Emphasizes the pleasant and enjoyable nature of the thing being described.

a fine one

Suggests something of good quality and suitable for a purpose.

a splendid one

Suggests a high degree of excellence and impressiveness.

a superb one

Highlights the top-notch quality and excellence.

an excellent one

Highlights the superior quality and performance.

a first-rate one

Emphasizes premium quality and status.

a remarkable one

Indicates something noteworthy and exceptional.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very nice one" to describe something positively in response to a previous mention, like "That's a very nice car, indeed!" or "The cake was delicious, a very nice one".

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

Alternatives include "a lovely one", "a delightful one", or "a splendid one", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when you want to express simple, direct approval or positive sentiment about something. However, consider more descriptive language for formal contexts.

Is "a very nice one" considered formal or informal?

The phrase tends to be more informal. In professional or academic writing, you might opt for alternatives like "a superb example" or "an excellent choice" for a more sophisticated tone.