it is not nice to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not nice to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disapproval or to indicate that a certain action is unkind or inappropriate. Example: "It is not nice to speak to others in a disrespectful manner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Yet Trump has acted as if the international system operates according to country club etiquette, where you ask a fellow club member for help—it is not nice to refuse.

Huffington Post

"The foolishness of constantly shoving the term American exceptionalism in the faces of other peoples of the world seems as obvious as when a child is told by its mother or a teacher that it is not nice to brag and that other people won't like you if you do...

Huffington Post

It is not nice to make fun of other people, but it is hard to resist.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is not nice to hear your boss making the threat.

The Economist

It is not nice to make fun of other people's misfortunes.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not nice to have something explode in your hand, even a shock grenade".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It isn't nice to confuse children.

The New York Times - Books

Not that it isn't nice to have luck.

The New Yorker

It isn't nice to be called 'horseface' and hear monkey chants".

Independent

You can't pretend that it isn't nice to have won.

The Guardian - Film

It isn't nice to just ignore other people's opinions and stories.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not nice to" to gently correct or advise against behaviors that are socially frowned upon, particularly when addressing children or in informal contexts.

Common error

While "it is not nice to" is perfectly acceptable, be mindful of overusing it, especially in professional writing. Opt for stronger, more precise language to convey your message effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not nice to" functions as an introductory phrase expressing disapproval or gentle correction. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability, commonly preceding an infinitive verb to address specific behaviors. Its primary function is to communicate that a particular action is socially unacceptable or unkind.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not nice to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey disapproval or suggest that an action is unkind. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a gentle way to correct or advise, typically in informal contexts. While versatile, consider the audience and situation to determine if a more direct or formal tone is necessary. Alternatives like ""it is unkind to"" or ""it is inappropriate to"" may be better suited for professional settings. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC, indicating its broad acceptance across various media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unkind to

Replaces "nice" with "unkind", directly emphasizing the lack of kindness in an action.

it is rude to

Emphasizes the offensive nature of the action by using "rude".

it is discourteous to

Substitutes "nice" with "discourteous", highlighting the lack of respect or consideration.

it is impolite to

Substitutes "nice" with "impolite", focusing on the breach of etiquette or social norms.

it's inconsiderate to

Focuses on the lack of consideration for others when performing the action.

it is inappropriate to

Replaces "nice" with "inappropriate", indicating the action is unsuitable for the given context.

it is wrong to

Uses "wrong" instead of "nice", implying a moral or ethical violation.

it is bad form to

An idiomatic expression that suggests an action is socially unacceptable.

it's just not done to

An informal phrase that expresses strong disapproval based on social convention.

one shouldn't

General advice in form of recommendation, with a less emphatic tone.

FAQs

What does "it is not nice to" mean?

The phrase "it is not nice to" expresses disapproval or suggests that an action is unkind, impolite, or socially unacceptable. It's often used to gently correct behavior or give advice, especially in informal settings.

What can I say instead of "it is not nice to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unkind to", "it is impolite to", or "it is inappropriate to" depending on the context.

Is "it is not nice to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is not nice to" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and is widely understood.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is not nice to"?

It's appropriate to use "it is not nice to" in informal settings when addressing children, close friends, or family. It's less suitable for formal or professional communication, where more direct or sophisticated language is preferred.