it was a nice sentiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a nice sentiment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express appreciation for a kind or thoughtful idea or feeling that someone has shared, often in response to a message or gesture. Example: "Although the gift was simple, it was a nice sentiment that truly touched my heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was a nice sentiment.

The New York Times

It was a nice sentiment, but provided little comfort to the Mavericks, who have endured a string of postseason letdowns.

The New York Times - Sports

" 'Whatever the recognition, you are as married as anyone who has been married in Canada.' " It was a nice sentiment and, legally speaking, accurate.

The New York Times

Whatever, it was a nice sentiment.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But it's a nice sentiment.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a nice sentiment, but it does seem worth asking how Andersen would really know.

The New York Times - Books

It's a nice sentiment, particularly in turbulent, traumatic times such as this – if, er, a generous one.

The Guardian

The Trump campaign's strategy with female voters is sort of like the new Lean Cuisine campaign that tells women they "are so much more than their looks": it's a nice sentiment until you remember that they want you to eat shit.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a nice sentiment that I agree with, but I think he misses the mark.

TechCrunch

It's a nice sentiment, but it becomes a bit like a team trying to find ways to shed salary to get under the salary cap.

TechCrunch

It's a nice sentiment, isn't it?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a nice sentiment" when you want to politely acknowledge a well-meaning but potentially ineffective or impractical idea. For instance, if someone suggests a complex solution to a simple problem, this phrase acknowledges their effort without fully endorsing the idea.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a nice sentiment" sarcastically. The phrase is generally perceived as genuine appreciation. Sarcastic use can be misinterpreted, causing offense or confusion. Choose a different expression if you intend to convey sarcasm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a nice sentiment" functions as an acknowledgment and expression of appreciation for a thoughtful or kind gesture. It acknowledges a positive intention, as supported by the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a nice sentiment" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for expressing appreciation of a kind or thoughtful intention. While Ludwig shows the phrase is not extremely common, it appears in credible sources, predominantly in the News & Media category. The phrase serves to acknowledge positive intent and convey gratitude, even when the idea might not be fully practical. Use it with genuine appreciation and avoid using it sarcastically to prevent miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was a thoughtful gesture

Emphasizes the action performed, highlighting its considerate nature, and uses a more formal word 'thoughtful'.

that was a kind thought

Focuses on the internal thought process behind the sentiment, using a more direct and simple expression.

that's very considerate of you

Shifts the focus to the person expressing the sentiment, acknowledging their thoughtfulness.

that's a sweet thing to say

Highlights the pleasantness of the expressed sentiment, using the adjective 'sweet' to convey warmth.

that's a generous idea

Emphasizes the magnanimous nature of the idea, particularly if it involves sharing or giving.

it's a gracious sentiment

Implies elegance and politeness in the sentiment, fitting formal contexts.

that was a well-intentioned idea

Acknowledges good intentions even if the idea itself may not be practical or successful.

that's a heartening sentiment

Focuses on the positive emotional impact of the sentiment, suggesting it provides comfort or encouragement.

that's a comforting thought

Highlights the reassuring quality of the sentiment, suggesting it provides solace or ease.

that's a very noble thought

Implies the sentiment is particularly virtuous or morally admirable.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a nice sentiment" in a sentence?

You can use "it was a nice sentiment" to acknowledge a kind or thoughtful idea, even if it may not be entirely practical. For example: "His suggestion to donate all our profits to charity, while ambitious, "it was a nice sentiment"."

What are some alternatives to "it was a nice sentiment"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that was a kind thought", "that was a thoughtful gesture", or "that's very considerate of you", depending on the context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "it is a nice sentiment" or "it was a nice sentiment" more appropriate?

The choice between "it is a nice sentiment" and "it was a nice sentiment" depends on the timing. Use "it is" when referring to a sentiment expressed in the present, and use "it was" when referring to a sentiment expressed in the past.

What's the difference between "it was a nice sentiment" and "it was a good idea"?

"It was a nice sentiment" acknowledges the positive emotion or intention behind an idea, while "it was a good idea" assesses the practicality or feasibility of the idea itself. You might use ""it was a nice sentiment"" when the idea is impractical but well-meaning.