in good nick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in good nick" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is in good condition or well-maintained. Example: "Despite its age, the car is still in good nick and runs smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Looks in good nick.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're in good nick," he said.

Independent

Bringbackthebiff looks in good nick.

The Guardian - Sport

And - crucially - it's in good nick.

The Guardian

But he looks in good nick.

The Guardian - Sport

Our batters have been in good nick over recent times".

The Guardian - Sport

But he's in good nick to right those wrongs.

The Guardian - Sport

And it means I should look in good nick for my birthday.

Independent

DENMARK The Danish economy is in good nick, according to the OECD's latest survey.

The Economist

Do foot exercises, keep everything in good nick, and stay comfortable.

Independent

"She's in good nick and I'm hoping we'll be able to run.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of something, especially in British English, "in good nick" is a suitable and idiomatic choice. Be mindful of your audience, as this phrase might not be universally understood outside of British English-speaking regions. Using "in good condition" is more universally accepted.

Common error

Avoid using "in good nick" in contexts where a more formal or universally understood phrase is required. While acceptable in informal settings, it might not be appropriate for formal reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in good nick" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is in a satisfactory or excellent state of repair or condition. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples, showcasing the phrase used to describe objects, people, and even economies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

General Conversation

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in good nick" is a prepositional phrase used primarily to describe something that is in good condition. It is considered grammatically correct and is very common, especially in British English. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is frequently used in News & Media and Sports contexts. While it's acceptable in many situations, it's important to be mindful of your audience and the context, as it might not be universally understood. For more formal settings, alternatives like "in good condition" or "well-maintained" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in good condition

This alternative is a more straightforward and commonly understood way of saying something is in a satisfactory state.

in excellent condition

This alternative replaces "good" with "excellent" to denote a higher quality of condition.

in tip-top shape

This alternative emphasizes that something is in excellent condition, possibly better than just "good".

in prime condition

This alternative is used to convey that something is in its best possible state.

in fine fettle

This alternative is a more formal or old-fashioned way of saying something is in good shape or health.

well-maintained

This alternative specifically highlights that the good condition is due to regular upkeep.

in good repair

This alternative emphasizes that any damages have been addressed, and the item is well-cared for.

in working order

This alternative focuses on functionality, indicating that something is operating as intended.

shipshape and Bristol fashion

This alternative, while more verbose, emphasizes neatness and orderliness in addition to good condition.

in apple-pie order

This idiom suggests everything is perfectly arranged and in excellent condition.

FAQs

What does "in good nick" mean?

The phrase "in good nick" means in good condition or in good shape. It's often used to describe the state of an object or a person's health.

Is "in good nick" British slang?

Yes, the phrase "in good nick" is considered British slang and is more commonly used in British English.

What can I say instead of "in good nick"?

You can use alternatives like "in good condition", "in good shape", or "well-maintained" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "in good nick"?

The phrase "in good nick" is considered informal. It's best to use it in casual conversation or writing rather than in formal or professional settings. For more formal situations, use "in good condition" or similar phrases.