nice timing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nice timing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compliment someone on their ability to do something at the right moment or to acknowledge a fortunate coincidence in timing. Example: "You arrived just as the meeting was starting; nice timing!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Nice timing!

The Guardian - Travel

Yes, nice timing.

The Guardian

Nice timing, Ronnie.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Good one, she thinks, nice timing there.

The New Yorker

And what nice timing: right at Halloween.

The Guardian - Books

Nice timing because it gave her team breathing space to work out what on earth to do about Brexit.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Gillian Glasco brings sass and nice comic timing to her role as Yolande's friend and confidante.

The New York Times

(In a nice bit of timing, this year's festival begins on Friday).

The New Yorker

England finished a sun-drenched day 311 runs ahead and the next decision awaiting their captain is a nice one, the timing of his declaration on the final morning of a batsman-friendly Test match.

The Guardian - Sport

A film with a foot in both the genre and art-house camps in Tetsuya Nakashima's "Confessions," which, in a nice piece of timing, has been the No. 1 box-office hit in Japan for three weeks running, holding off "Iron Man 2" and "Sex and the City 2".

The New York Times

This business of rolling out a bugle-and-drum salute as you march requires a nice bit of timing: it is necessary, to break off at the end of a measure of whatever march is being played, have bugles and drums go into the flourishes and ruffles, and then go back into whatever was being played.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nice timing" to acknowledge when someone does something at the most appropriate or convenient moment. It adds a positive and appreciative tone to the conversation.

Common error

Be cautious when using "nice timing" sarcastically, as it can be easily misinterpreted in written communication. Ensure the context clearly indicates your intended tone to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nice timing" primarily functions as an interjection or a short exclamation. It's often used to acknowledge and compliment someone's opportune execution of an action or their arrival at a convenient moment. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nice timing" is a commonly used phrase to express approval or appreciation for an action or event that occurs at a suitable moment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It's considered generally neutral in formality and finds frequent use in News & Media contexts. If a more formal expression is needed, consider alternatives such as "perfect timing" or "opportune moment". Remember to be mindful of the context and intended tone to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfect timing

Indicates an ideal moment for something to occur.

great timing

Expresses positive sentiment about the moment something happens.

fortunate timing

Highlights the luck involved in the timing.

opportune moment

Focuses on the advantageous nature of the specific point in time.

well-timed

Describes something that happened at a suitable time.

good moment

Simple expression for a favorable instance.

happy coincidence

Highlights the coincidental and positive aspect of the timing.

providential moment

Suggests the timing was divinely arranged or lucky.

serendipitous occasion

Emphasizes the accidental yet fortunate nature of the event's timing.

auspicious timing

Highlights the favorable or promising nature of the timing.

FAQs

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

You can use "nice timing" to express appreciation when someone does something at the right moment. For example, "You arrived just as the meeting was starting; "nice timing"!"

What can I say instead of "nice timing"?

You can use alternatives like "perfect timing", "great timing", or "well-timed" depending on the context.

Is "nice timing" formal or informal?

"Nice timing" is generally considered informal and is suitable for casual conversations or friendly interactions. For more formal settings, consider using phrases like "opportune moment".

When is it inappropriate to use "nice timing"?

Avoid using "nice timing" in situations where the timing is clearly negative or unfortunate. Sarcastic use can be risky without clear indicators of tone.