more than nice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than nice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something exceeds a simple level of niceness, indicating a higher degree of positivity or approval. Example: "The dinner was more than nice; it was absolutely delightful and memorable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It would be more than nice, actually.

The Washington Post

The company has to appreciate talent with more than nice words.

The New York Times

Young Cubans will expect more than nice TV pictures from the normalisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Brands that depict non-traditional families earn higher equity marks Acknowledging modern families is more than nice sentiment.

The Guardian

Governments need time and a little patience to make sure the Paris climate talks amount to anything more than nice discussion.

Independent

But they were no more than nice - for which companies and audiences have, however, been grateful, as nice is hard to come by these days.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But Google has also included other more-than-nice touches.

TechCrunch

"It has to be much more than just nice sounds and nice faces.

The Guardian - Music

You probably think it's more weird than nice.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A few portraits are more naughty than nice.

The New York Times - Arts

Vera, on the other hand, is more naughty than nice.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than nice" to subtly convey a stronger positive sentiment than simply saying something is "nice". It implies that something surpasses the basic level of acceptability or pleasantness.

Common error

Avoid using "more than nice" too frequently as a substitute for more descriptive and impactful adjectives. Over-reliance on understatement can weaken your writing and make it sound less engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than nice" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something possesses a quality exceeding simple niceness. Ludwig examples confirm its use in expressing positive sentiment beyond a basic level.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than nice" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys a subtly elevated level of positivity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that something surpasses mere niceness. Its neutral register makes it versatile for various contexts, prominently featuring in News & Media. When writing, remember that while "more than nice" is a useful understatement, it shouldn't replace more descriptive language when greater emphasis is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly outstanding

Highlights the superior quality and remarkable nature of something.

genuinely wonderful

Emphasizes the authenticity and delightful quality of something.

better than good

Implies a higher degree of quality or satisfaction compared to "more than nice".

positively delightful

Focuses on the charming and pleasurable nature of something.

quite exceptional

Indicates that something is unusually good, standing out from the ordinary.

exceedingly pleasant

Focuses on the delightful nature of something, differing slightly from exceeding expectations.

exceptionally gratifying

Stresses the satisfying and fulfilling quality of something.

remarkably agreeable

Highlights the pleasing quality of something, emphasizing the degree of agreement or acceptance it elicits.

considerably better

States a clear and significant improvement over something merely "nice".

far from bad

Uses understatement to imply a positive assessment exceeding the neutral "nice".

FAQs

How can I use "more than nice" in a sentence?

You can use "more than nice" to describe something that exceeds basic pleasantness. For example: "The gesture was "more than nice"; it was truly generous."

What's a good alternative to "more than nice"?

Alternatives include "better than good", "genuinely wonderful", or "truly outstanding", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "more than nice" or "better than nice"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "better than nice" directly compares the subject to the baseline of "nice", while "more than nice" suggests exceeding that baseline.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "more than nice"?

Use "more than nice" when you want to express that something is significantly better than just "nice", but without resorting to overly enthusiastic or hyperbolic language. It's a moderate form of praise.