nice things to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nice things to say" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to positive comments or compliments someone might express. Example: "She always has nice things to say about her colleagues." Alternative expressions include "kind words" and "positive remarks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had only nice things to say about the Bushes.

The New Yorker

I have nothing but nice things to say about him.

The New York Times - Sports

Otherwise Khan only had nice things to say.

The Guardian

Ms. Navat did have nice things to say, too.

The New York Times

He was very funny, always smiling and he always had nice things to say to everyone.

Independent

You have pretty nice things to say about most everyone in your book.

The New York Times - Magazine

An anti-Qaddafi Libyan will have nice things to say about NATO's role there right now.

The Economist

"If people have nice things to say about me then that's very nice.

Independent

In fact she only ever had nice things to say about people.

Independent

China and the U.S. haven't had many nice things to say about each other recently.

The New Yorker

He also had nice things to say about some new kids in town: "The Beatles?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Balance "nice things to say" with constructive criticism to provide a well-rounded assessment. This ensures that your feedback is both encouraging and helpful for improvement.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on generic "nice things to say" without providing specific examples or reasons. Empty praise can come across as insincere and lack impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nice things to say" primarily functions as a descriptor, characterizing the nature of someone's comments or remarks. It's often used to indicate that the comments are positive, complimentary, or encouraging, aligning with the usage patterns observed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nice things to say" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes positive or complimentary remarks. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in News & Media. When writing, ensure that your praise is specific and sincere to avoid empty platitudes, as this practice increases the impact and credibility of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positive comments

Focuses on the positive aspect of the remarks made.

complimentary remarks

Highlights the praising nature of the statements.

kind words

Emphasizes the kindness and goodwill in the speech.

favorable feedback

Highlights that the opinion expressed is positive.

glowing reviews

Implies very positive and enthusiastic assessments.

flattering statements

Focuses on the intention to please or compliment.

praising comments

Highlights the act of giving praise.

appreciative remarks

Emphasizes gratitude and recognition in the comments.

good things to mention

A broader way to talk about the speaker's opinion in general.

pleasant observations

Stresses the agreeable and pleasing nature of the comments.

FAQs

How can I use "nice things to say" in a sentence?

You can use "nice things to say" to describe positive feedback or compliments, for example, "She always has "nice things to say" about her colleagues".

What are some alternatives to "nice things to say"?

You can use alternatives like "positive comments", "kind words", or "complimentary remarks" depending on the context.

Is it better to have "nice things to say" or to be brutally honest?

It depends on the situation, but often a balance is best. Starting with "nice things to say" can make constructive criticism easier to receive.

What's the difference between "nice things to say" and "constructive criticism"?

"Nice things to say" focuses on positive aspects, while constructive criticism aims to identify areas for improvement. Both are valuable in feedback.