nice try

USAGE SUMMARY

"nice try" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to congratulate someone who has given a good effort, even though the effort did not achieve the expected result. For example, "You almost got it right, nice try!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nice try, Mr. Nice Guy.

Los Angeles Times

THE MITTSTER: Nice try, Mr. President, nice try.

The New Yorker

Nice try, but no".

The New York Times

Nice try, Sandy!

The New York Times

Nice try, buddy.

The New York Times - Sports

Nice try ITV.

Independent

Nice try, Hosni.

The New York Times

Nice try, governor.

The New York Times

Nice try, Ms. Headland.

The New York Times

Nice try, fellows.

The New Yorker

Sorry, Steve, nice try.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "nice try". In some situations, it may come across as sarcastic or dismissive, so choose your words carefully.

Common error

Avoid using "nice try" sarcastically, as it can be easily misinterpreted. If you genuinely want to offer praise, provide specific feedback on what was done well instead of simply saying "nice try".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nice try" functions as an acknowledgment of an effort or attempt made by someone. It's often used when the attempt falls short of success, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples. It serves to recognize the person's effort, even if the desired outcome wasn't achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nice try" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge an effort, even when it doesn't succeed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While generally neutral, its appropriateness depends on context and tone to avoid sarcasm. Consider alternatives like "good effort" or "almost" depending on the specific situation. Primarily found in News & Media, "nice try" is a common phrase for recognizing attempts across various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good effort

This alternative is a more general and positive way to acknowledge an attempt, without necessarily highlighting the failure.

that was a good attempt

This alternative is a more formal and descriptive way to acknowledge an attempt.

valiant effort

This alternative emphasizes the courage and determination behind the attempt, even if it was unsuccessful.

almost had it

This alternative focuses on the narrow margin of failure.

you almost made it

This alternative highlights how close someone was to succeeding.

close but no cigar

This idiomatic alternative is a more playful way to acknowledge a near success.

better luck next time

This alternative is a more encouraging way to respond to a failed attempt.

not quite there

This alternative indicates that more effort is needed to achieve the desired outcome.

hard luck

This alternative expresses sympathy for the lack of success.

unlucky

This alternative attributes the failure to bad luck.

FAQs

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

You can use "nice try" to acknowledge someone's effort even when they didn't succeed, such as saying, "You almost solved the puzzle, "nice try"!"

What can I say instead of "nice try"?

You can use alternatives like "good effort", "almost", or "better luck next time" depending on the context.

Is "nice try" always appropriate?

While "nice try" is generally polite, it can come across as sarcastic if your tone doesn't match your words. Be mindful of your tone and the relationship you have with the person you're speaking to.

What's the difference between "nice try" and "good job"?

"Nice try" acknowledges an effort that didn't succeed, while "good job" praises a successful completion. If the attempt didn't work out, use ""nice try""; if it did, use "good job".