nice to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nice to think" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a pleasant or comforting thought or idea. Example: "It's nice to think that we can make a difference in the world, even in small ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's nice to think so.

The New York Times - Magazine

It would be nice to think so.

Forbes

But it was nice to think about".

The New York Times - Sports

It's very nice to think that".

The New York Times

It would be nice to think that is true.

The New York Times

It would be nice to think we're included in that.

The New York Times - Sports

It would be nice to think that they are right.

The Economist

It would be nice to think it was all planned.

The Guardian - Music

It would be nice to think it were possible.

Independent

At least, it would be nice to think so.

The Guardian - Books

It would be nice to think Hiller got there first.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nice to think" to introduce a hopeful or optimistic perspective, especially when acknowledging potential skepticism or uncertainty.

Common error

While "nice to think" is versatile, avoid overuse. Vary your language with synonyms like "pleasant to imagine" or "comforting to consider" to maintain writing freshness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nice to think" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a thought or idea that is pleasant or desirable to consider, even if it may not be entirely realistic or probable. It often serves as a preface to a statement expressing hope or optimism. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nice to think" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a hopeful or pleasant thought, often tinged with a degree of skepticism. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and appropriate in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To maintain writing diversity, synonyms like "pleasant to imagine" or "comforting to consider" can be employed. While versatile, be mindful of overuse. "Nice to think" is a useful tool for expressing optimism while acknowledging uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pleasant to imagine

Emphasizes the enjoyable aspect of considering a particular scenario.

comforting to consider

Highlights the reassuring or consoling nature of the thought.

good to contemplate

Focuses on the positive feeling derived from reflecting on something.

lovely to consider

Highlights the endearing nature of thinking about something

appealing to believe

Stresses the attractiveness or desirability of the belief.

enticing to think

Highlights the attractive nature of the thought.

satisfying to consider

Highlights the fulfilling aspect of the idea.

tempting to assume

Indicates a possible inclination to make an assumption.

gratifying to imagine

Focuses on the rewarding feeling from contemplating something.

agreeable to suppose

Emphasizes the pleasantness of the supposition.

FAQs

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

Use "nice to think" to express a hopeful or optimistic idea, often with a touch of skepticism. For example, "It's "nice to think" that things will get better soon."

What are some alternatives to "nice to think"?

You can use alternatives like "pleasant to imagine", "comforting to consider", or "appealing to believe depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "it's nice to think" or "it is nice to think"?

Both "it's nice to think" and "it is nice to think" are grammatically correct. The first is a contraction, making it more informal, while the second is more formal.

What's the difference between "nice to think" and "wishful thinking"?

"Nice to think" implies a pleasant thought, possibly with a hint of doubt. "Wishful thinking" implies a belief based on desires rather than facts, often suggesting unrealistic optimism.