nice to dream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nice to dream" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a positive sentiment about the act of dreaming or imagining possibilities, often in a lighthearted or wistful context. Example: "Even though it may not be realistic, it's nice to dream about traveling the world one day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Nice to dream, though.

The New Yorker

Still, it's nice to dream.

The Guardian - Music

All light years out of my price range, but it was nice to dream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It would be nice to dream there would be a smooth level of efficiency throughout the game," Groh said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's nice to dream big, but something like taking over water utilities outside Malta is a little bit too much for now, but that does not mean that we are not open to partnerships, or joint ventures, with other companies out there who lack certain expertise.

The Guardian

It's nice to dream.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But it sure is a nice thing to dream about..

Huffington Post

We would sleep, only to dream of something nice to eat, and awake again to disappointment.

The New York Times

Such is the nature of fairy tales: they make us want to live in our imaginations — and how marvellous it had been to dream that a nice old lady wanted to make tea for me and whisper her secrets.

The New Yorker

Such is the nature of fairy tales: they make us want to live in our imaginations and how marvellous it had been to dream that a nice old lady wanted to make tea for me and whisper her secrets.

The New Yorker

The budget stretches only so far, and those "need to haves" edge out the "nice to haves". Dreams of a fancy new car, a luxurious vacation, a beautiful big home they may have to wait til the budget is a little fatter.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "nice to dream" when you want to express a positive sentiment about imagining a possibility, even if it is unlikely to happen.

Common error

Avoid using "nice to dream" in highly formal or professional settings, as it can come across as too casual or dismissive. Opt for more direct or serious expressions when discussing goals or plans.

Linguistic Context

"Nice to dream" serves as an interjection or a short phrase expressing a wistful or accepting attitude towards an unrealistic but pleasant aspiration. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts, from personal desires to broader societal possibilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nice to dream" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that expresses a positive sentiment towards imagining possibilities, even if they are unrealistic. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used across various contexts, primarily in news and media and informal conversations. While it's acceptable in many situations, it’s best to avoid using it in highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "pleasant to imagine" or "lovely to contemplate" to tailor your expression to the specific context. Embrace the power of dreams, but use "nice to dream" wisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pleasant to imagine

Emphasizes the agreeable feeling of imagining something.

lovely to contemplate

Highlights the beauty and appeal of considering a particular scenario.

it's good to imagine

Directly states the positivity in imagining something, often unrealistically.

one can always hope

Focuses on the act of hoping as a comforting or motivating factor.

dreaming is free

Emphasizes the lack of limitations or consequences in the act of dreaming.

it's fun to fantasize

Highlights the enjoyable aspect of creating elaborate fantasies.

a pleasant thought

Captures the feeling as a simple, pleasing idea.

it's a comforting thought

Expresses the solace or reassurance found in the thought or idea.

wishful thinking

Acknowledges the desire for something, often with an implication of unlikelihood.

perhaps in another life

Indicates a possibility that is unlikely to occur in the current circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "nice to dream" in a sentence?

You can use "nice to dream" to express a positive sentiment about imagining something, even if it is unrealistic. For example, "Winning the lottery would be great, but it's "nice to dream"."

What are some alternatives to "nice to dream"?

Alternatives include "pleasant to imagine", "lovely to contemplate", or "it's good to imagine". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "nice to dream" grammatically correct?

Yes, "nice to dream" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's an idiomatic expression used to express a positive sentiment about imagining something.

When is it appropriate to use "nice to dream"?

It's appropriate to use "nice to dream" when you want to acknowledge a pleasant but potentially unrealistic idea. It's often used in casual conversation or informal writing.