nice to have around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nice to have around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone or something is pleasant or beneficial to have in a particular situation or environment. Example: "Her positive attitude makes her nice to have around during stressful times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Sure, a gentler mayor is nice to have around.

The New York Times

But, like sane and shapely people and homes, they are nice to have around to look at.

The New Yorker

And those men who matter, narcissists all, are scoundrels, self-destructive and not very nice to have around.

The New York Times

Virtual pets are nice to have around the mobile phone.

TechCrunch

Expect oodles of carrier-loaded apps that range in quality from mildly useful (Lookout Security is nice to have around) to the nearly pointless (do we really need the Sprint Music Plus store when Google Play is right there?).

TechCrunch

But a few Trevor Horns people who use studio technology the way a curious and playful child uses a room full of fictile toys are nice to have around".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He was a very, very nice person to have around.

Princeton University

He's just a nice horse to have around".

The New York Times - Sports

The 8525, even with WinMo, is a nice phone to have around and gets the job done.

TechCrunch

Dylan is a real nice person to have around you, always smiling and he knows hundreds of really interesting Ibiza stories.

Vice

Old-fashioned apple cake is such a nice sweet to have around; make it on a Sunday and you'll have a not-too-heavy, just-indulgent-enough dessert to eat all week (that is, if it lasts that long).

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nice to have around" when you want to convey that someone or something is generally pleasant, helpful, or beneficial in a particular context. It implies a positive contribution without necessarily being essential.

Common error

While "nice to have around" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a valuable asset" or "a beneficial presence" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nice to have around" functions as a subject complement, describing a quality or characteristic of a subject. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

22%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nice to have around" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for expressing that someone or something is pleasant and beneficial to have in a particular environment. Ludwig's analysis indicates its most frequent use in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a slightly informal tone. While versatile, consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. Use it to convey appreciation and highlight positive contributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pleasant to be with

Focuses on the enjoyable aspect of being in someone's company, rather than their general utility.

good company to keep

Emphasizes the positive social interaction and companionship provided.

a joy to have nearby

Highlights the positive emotional impact of someone or something being present.

welcome addition

Stresses the positive impact of something new being added.

valuable asset

Focuses on the practical benefits and usefulness someone or something brings.

beneficial presence

Highlights the positive impact and advantages of someone's or something's existence.

delightful to include

Focuses on the pleasure derived from including someone or something in a group or activity.

agreeable to involve

Emphasizes the pleasant nature of involving someone or something in a process or situation.

positive influence

Highlights the favorable impact and effect someone or something has on a situation or environment.

comforting presence

Emphasizes the feeling of ease and reassurance that someone or something provides.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "nice to have around" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "a valuable asset", "a beneficial presence", or "an asset to the team" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when someone is described as "nice to have around"?

It generally means that the person is pleasant, helpful, and contributes positively to the environment or situation, making them a welcome addition.

Is "nice to have around" the same as "nice to be around"?

While similar, "nice to have around" emphasizes utility and positive contribution, whereas "nice to be around" focuses more on the pleasantness of their company.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "nice to have around"?

It's appropriate in informal and semi-formal contexts when you want to express that someone or something is a welcome addition and provides a positive contribution without being absolutely essential. In formal contexts, consider more formal alternatives.