be nice to him

USAGE SUMMARY

"be nice to him" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in any context when you want to suggest that someone should be kind or polite to another person. For example, "I know you and Sarah had a disagreement but please be nice to him; he's had a difficult week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Be nice to him(and everybody)!

WikiHow

Be nice to him, too.

The Guardian - Books

Be nice to him, to start with.

The Guardian - Music

"And I'm going to be nice to him.

The New York Times

"Once he apologises for criticising my appointment, I'll be nice to him".

Independent

Gerald is getting a divorce from Cora & Verna asks Henry to be nice to him.

The New Yorker

"Be nice to him," she said, "or we will hurt you".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

And the waitress was nice to him.

The New Yorker

I've been nice to him.

The Washington Post

Saladin is nice to him, too.

The Guardian - Film

And I was nice to him, thank God.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be nice to him", ensure the context clarifies why kindness is needed, enhancing the message's impact. For example, "He's had a rough day, so be nice to him."

Common error

Avoid using "be nice to him" as a standalone instruction without explaining the reason. Providing context helps the recipient understand the situation and respond appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be nice to him" functions primarily as an imperative, giving a direct command or instruction. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically correct and usable. This expression encourages a certain behavior or attitude towards a specific individual.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

31%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be nice to him" is a grammatically correct and usable imperative phrase that encourages kindness and politeness towards another person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a straightforward way to advise considerate behavior. While relatively common, it is most often found in informal contexts, especially within Wiki and News & Media sources. To enhance its impact, provide context for why kindness is needed. Alternatives such as "treat him kindly" or "show him respect" can be used to adjust the tone or formality. Remember, while encouraging kindness is valuable, it's essential to balance it with setting appropriate boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

treat him kindly

This alternative directly replaces "nice" with "kindly", focusing on the manner of treatment.

be good to him

This suggests overall positive behavior and care towards the person.

show him respect

This shifts the focus from general niceness to specifically showing respect.

be considerate of him

This emphasizes being thoughtful and aware of his feelings or needs.

be gentle with him

Suggests to approach him with softness and care, especially in sensitive situations.

be friendly toward him

This focuses on displaying a warm and approachable demeanor.

be understanding of him

This centers on empathizing with his situation or perspective.

regard him with kindness

This is a more formal way of expressing the idea of treating someone with kindness.

have patience with him

This suggests showing understanding and tolerance, especially if the person is difficult.

extend courtesy to him

This is a formal way to advise someone to be polite and respectful.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be nice to him" to sound more formal?

In a formal context, you could say "show him respect", "extend courtesy to him", or "treat him with kindness" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean to "be nice to him" in a professional setting?

In a professional environment, "be nice to him" translates to treating him with respect, being courteous, acknowledging his contributions, and maintaining a positive and professional demeanor, even during disagreements.

How do I "be nice to him" without being taken advantage of?

Being nice involves being polite and respectful, but it's also important to set boundaries. You can "be respectful of him" while still asserting your needs and limits. Don't compromise your own well-being to appease someone else.

What are some alternative ways to tell someone to "be nice to him" after a disagreement?

After a disagreement, you can encourage reconciliation by saying, "try to understand him", "be considerate of him", or "focus on finding common ground" to promote a more positive interaction.