nice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is pleasant, agreeable, or satisfactory in various contexts. Example: "The weather today is really nice, perfect for a picnic in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was nice while it lasted.

The Guardian - Opinion

I believe that many women do not get to the top because they are far too nice.

The Guardian

We do talk, of course, but it was nice to have no distractions".

The Guardian

We would look at German Burda [a pattern and fashion] magazine together and discuss what looked nice – and because my mum had that attitude and payed attention to fashion, I think something stayed with me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cowell added: "I want to thank ITV for their continued support and, most of all, all of you guys in the room who've slagged us off, written nice things, but it's all been great – you've made us successful, loads of money – so thank you very much indeed".

The Guardian

Although this guidance is about diagnosis, Nice states that, in many cases, asthma control is already inadequate, which could be life-threatening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Zoe Quinn, the game developer whose online harassment eventually spawned the anti-feminist GamerGate movement, said it was "nice to see Twitter trying to address this issue".

The Guardian - Tech

As good as it can be to have a foot-long sub to munch on, sometimes it's nice to have a lunch that's a little bit of lots of things, buffet-bar style.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Technical prowess is nice, but it isn't what counts when it comes to entertainment.

The Guardian - Film

Ronaldo was visibly angry after Bale failed to pass to him but the Portugal player insists it is already water under the bridge for him, while he also said the Madrid fans "should be nice" to the former Tottenham winger.

The Guardian - Sport

Matt and Sweat escaped from adjoining cells by cutting holes in pipes in the prison's heating system and had the time and nerve to leave a note bearing a smiley face and the words "Have a nice day".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, consider synonyms that better capture the specific quality you wish to highlight, such as "pleasant" for experiences, "kind" for character, or "elegant" for style.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "nice" in formal or professional contexts. While acceptable, it lacks the specificity and impact of more descriptive alternatives. Opt for words that convey more precise meanings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nice" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their quality. Ludwig confirms that "nice" is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing people, places, and things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "nice" functions primarily as an adjective to express a general sense of approval or satisfaction. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts, though it's most commonly found in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more descriptive synonyms are preferable in formal writing for impact and precision. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "pleasant", "lovely", or "delightful", depending on the specific quality you aim to highlight. As Ludwig explains, using the word "nice" is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pleasant

Replaces "nice" with a more general term for something enjoyable.

agreeable

Substitutes "nice" to highlight the quality of being pleasing or willing to agree.

enjoyable

Replaces "nice" to emphasize the experience of deriving pleasure from something.

lovely

A more affectionate substitute for "nice", suggesting charm and delight.

delightful

Replaces "nice" with a term implying great pleasure and satisfaction.

kind

Shifts the focus from general pleasantness to positive moral qualities.

thoughtful

Highlights consideration for others, rather than general agreeableness.

considerate

Emphasizes empathy and care for others feelings, not just pleasantness.

gracious

Implies elegance and courtesy, providing a more formal alternative.

courteous

Focuses on polite and respectful behavior, changing the emphasis.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the word "nice"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "pleasant", "agreeable", "enjoyable", "lovely", or "delightful".

How can I use "nice" in a sentence?

You can use "nice" to describe something pleasing or agreeable, such as "That's a nice dress" or "It was nice meeting you."

Is it better to use "nice" or more specific adjectives?

While "nice" is acceptable, using more specific adjectives can make your writing more impactful. For example, instead of "a nice meal", you could say "a delicious meal" or "a satisfying meal".

When should I avoid using the word "nice"?

In formal or professional writing, overuse of "nice" can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider using stronger, more descriptive alternatives to convey your meaning more effectively. Also, it can be less preferable if overused.