nicely poised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nicely poised" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when expressing that two or more ideas, people, or entities are in a balanced state. For example, "The election is nicely poised, with both candidates within a few percentage points of each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Well, isn't this nicely poised.

The Guardian - Sport

This is very nicely poised, isn't it.

The Guardian - Sport

The match is nicely poised for a Monday night denouement.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Well, maybe two more whiskey and gingers … Anyway, this is rather nicely poised.

The Guardian - Sport

The sprinters lurk a little further back, with Greipel and Sagan nicely poised.

The Guardian - Sport

Their latest vintage is nicely poised between spice, fat, perfume and freshness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

BUT Mr. Fridson warned that the high-yield recoveries of 1991 and of 1998 did not happen until short-term interest rates had fallen well below long-term rates, a sign that the economy was poised to grow nicely, thereby lessening credit concerns.

The New York Times

The T6 also handles nicely, and is as easily poised as the E-Class (and also scoots to 60 mph faster than the E-Class), even if it's not on the same plane as the Jaguar, BMW and Audi.

Forbes

But at least the next act is poised to play nicely.

Los Angeles Times

They are making a big bet indeed; one that looks poised to pay off nicely with future ad revenue and revenue-shares with limitless partners.

Huffington Post

He has fit in nicely for a sometime patchwork team that has quietly hummed along and now seems poised for another breakout.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nicely poised" to describe situations where elements are balanced or ready for the next stage, particularly in sports, business, or strategic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "nicely poised" in overly casual conversations; opt for simpler alternatives like "well-prepared" or "ready" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nicely poised" functions primarily as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun to indicate a state of balance, readiness, or advantageous positioning. Ludwig examples showcase it describing situations ready for the next phase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nicely poised" is a correct and usable phrase that commonly describes a situation of balance and readiness. As shown by Ludwig, it is most often found in news and media contexts, particularly when discussing sports or strategic developments. While the phrase is suitable for formal writing, simpler terms might be preferable in very informal settings. Consider also the alternatives, such as "well-positioned" or "favorably situated", to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-positioned

Focuses on strategic placement or advantageous location.

favorably situated

Emphasizes the positive aspect of the position or situation.

advantageously placed

Highlights the benefit derived from a particular placement.

in a good position

A more general way of saying something is ready or well-placed.

optimally aligned

Stresses the perfect arrangement or adjustment for a specific purpose.

strategically located

Underscores the importance of location for achieving a goal.

aptly arranged

Highlights the suitability and orderliness of the arrangement.

ideally prepared

Focuses on the readiness and perfect condition for an event or task.

conveniently set

Emphasizes the ease and accessibility of the setup.

deftly balanced

Highlights the skill and precision involved in maintaining equilibrium.

FAQs

How can I use "nicely poised" in a sentence?

You can use "nicely poised" to describe a situation where things are balanced and ready to proceed, such as, "The team is "well-positioned" to win the championship."

What are some alternatives to using "nicely poised"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "well-positioned", "favorably situated", or "advantageously placed".

Is it appropriate to use "nicely poised" in formal writing?

Yes, "nicely poised" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing strategic or balanced situations in business or sports. However, consider "well-positioned" for more formal context.

What does "nicely poised" imply about a situation?

It suggests that the situation is in a balanced state, ready for the next phase or action, and often implies a sense of potential or opportunity. Consider using "aptly arranged" depending on the context.