nice idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'nice idea' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase in a variety of contexts in order to express admiration or approval of someone's idea. For example, you could say "That's a nice idea; let's give it a try!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nice idea.

Independent

It's a nice idea.

The New York Times - Arts

That's a nice idea.

The New York Times

Nice idea in theory.

The New York Times

[LAUGHTER] Nice idea.

Cornell University

So nice idea.

Harvard Business Review

Again: a nice idea.

The Washington Post

Nice idea, but.

The Guardian - Sport

Cool hire, nice idea.

The Guardian - Sport

Well, it's a nice idea.

The Economist

Nice idea, indeed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nice idea" to acknowledge someone's suggestion positively, even if you have reservations. It's a polite way to open a discussion.

Common error

While "nice idea" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal contexts. Opt for more specific and professional language to convey your assessment of the idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nice idea" functions primarily as an interjection or comment expressing approval or acknowledgment of a suggestion or plan. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase expresses admiration or approval of someone's idea. It is often used to initiate further discussion or express agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nice idea" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express approval or acknowledgment of a suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is more frequently found in News & Media and Academic settings. Consider its nuance when choosing between similar phrases like "good thinking" or "interesting concept" to best convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good thinking

Implies that someone has shown intelligence or foresight.

i like your thinking

Expresses approval of the approach or perspective behind the idea.

that's worth considering

Suggests the idea merits further evaluation and attention.

interesting concept

Highlights the novelty or uniqueness of the idea.

that could work

Indicates a belief that the idea is feasible and has a chance of success.

that's promising

Suggests the idea has potential for success or positive outcomes.

sounds promising

Similar to "that's promising", but focuses on the initial impression.

that's a thought

Indicates consideration of a suggestion, often with a hint of reservation.

not a bad idea

Understates approval, often used when initially skeptical.

i appreciate the thought

Acknowledges the effort and consideration behind the idea, even if not fully endorsed.

FAQs

How can I use "nice idea" in a sentence?

You can use "nice idea" to express approval of a suggestion, such as "That's a "nice idea", let's explore it further" or "It's a "nice idea", but we need to consider the budget".

What are some alternatives to saying "nice idea"?

Instead of saying "nice idea", you can use alternatives like "good thinking", "interesting concept", or "that's worth considering depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "nice idea" in a formal email?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In more formal emails, phrases like "that's worth considering" or "interesting proposal" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "nice idea" and "good idea"?

While similar, ""nice idea"" can sometimes imply a slightly less enthusiastic endorsement than "good idea". Both are positive, but "good idea" may suggest stronger approval.