be nice with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be nice with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used in imperative sentences as a request or command for someone to behave kindly or politely towards someone or something. Example: "Please be nice with your little sister, she's only four years old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

It could be nice with cold cuts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think the people will be nice with him and they should be nice with him".

The Guardian - Sport

And we are trying to be nice with our neighbors".

The New Yorker

Some more of that grüner would be nice with this.

The New York Times - Food

To be nice with a man, I don't think it's so bad".

The New York Times

But it would be nice with some grilled chicken this week.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

He is nice with my family.

The New Yorker

"Their community is nice, with lots of trees and nice houses.

The New York Times

"It's nice with a little shape around the face, no?" he asked Bidault-Waddington.

The New York Times

It was nice, with large windows and a working brick fireplace, but Miss Rose was leery of the location.

The New York Times

The servers were as efficient as they were nice, with dishes delivered to the correct person in record time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to interact positively, specify the context to tailor the level of "niceness". For example, instead of just saying "be nice with the customer", say "be patient and helpful with the customer".

Common error

Avoid vagueness. The term "nice" can be subjective. Instead of saying "be nice with it", provide specific actions such as "handle the equipment carefully" or "follow the instructions closely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be nice with" primarily functions as an imperative, used to give a command or instruction. It requests or advises someone to act in a kind, considerate, or gentle manner towards a person, object, or situation. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Social Media

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be nice with" is a commonly used phrase functioning as an imperative to encourage kindness, respect, or careful handling. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood. While its register leans towards informal, it is adaptable to various contexts, though more formal language might be required in professional settings. The phrase is frequently found in WikiHow and News & Media. To enhance clarity, avoid vagueness by specifying the action or attitude expected. Consider using synonyms such as "be kind to" or "treat with respect" for a more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be kind to

Focuses specifically on kindness as a behavior.

treat with respect

Emphasizes showing deference and consideration.

be considerate of

Highlights thoughtfulness towards others' feelings and needs.

show compassion for

Implies a deeper emotional understanding and empathy.

be gentle with

Suggests a soft and caring approach.

be understanding of

Focuses on empathy and acceptance.

exercise patience with

Highlights the need for tolerance and understanding, particularly in challenging situations.

be fair to

Focuses on impartial and just treatment.

demonstrate goodwill toward

Emphasizes positive intentions and friendly behavior.

adopt a friendly attitude toward

Highlights choosing friendliness.

FAQs

How can I use "be nice with" in a sentence?

You can use "be nice with" to instruct someone to treat someone or something kindly or respectfully. For example, "Please be nice with your younger siblings" or "Be nice with the new equipment".

What is a good alternative to "be nice with"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "be kind to", "treat with respect", or "be considerate of".

Is it always appropriate to use "be nice with" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "be nice with" might sound too informal in certain professional contexts. Consider more formal alternatives like "treat with respect" or "handle with care" in those situations.

What's the difference between "be nice with" and "be nice to"?

"Be nice with" often implies a specific action or interaction, whereas "be nice to" is a more general instruction to be kind. For example, "Be nice with the documents" (handle them carefully) versus "Be nice to your colleagues" (show them general kindness).