niceties

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'niceties' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that usually refers to polite or formal words or gestures. For example, you can use the sentence: "I thought the dinner was lovely, but what I appreciated even more were the niceties between the guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But such niceties over which part of the empire rules what never seem to make much difference to Murdoch game plans.

The Guardian

Not much time for niceties either: "Do it again, but better".

The Guardian

The opening of the planned speech - part of the Thatcher Papers archive at Churchill College, Cambridge - dispenses with usual conference niceties: "From the dark cloud falls an acid rain that eats into liberty," it begins.

The Guardian

The rivalry between them is a genuine one, with little room for niceties, although Greene denies that there is any real menace in it.

The Guardian - Sport

It neither has neither a minister nor a civil service presence of experience that understands the subtle constitutional niceties that are necessary to protect the unique position of the corporation.

The Guardian

Since independence few aspiring leaders have troubled much with the niceties of elections.

The Economist

As the president of the LDP automatically becomes prime minister, this will amount to a formal resignation.First, however, some niceties have to be attended to in order to save Mr Mori's face.

The Economist

But the Kremlin has no time for niceties; it has refused to register Mikhail Kasyanov, once Mr Putin's prime minister, and has also kept out most foreign election observers.

The Economist

It seems more worried about the outcome of next month's election than the niceties of the democratic process.

The Economist

"Briggo" learnt quickly the niceties of crapping without being washed away.

The Economist

He has written off the tax code ("9,500 pages of gibberish"), and brushed off nuclear accidents ("If you set aside Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, the safety record of nuclear is really very good").Diplomatic niceties are clearly not his forte.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "niceties" when you want to refer to the subtle but important elements of social interaction and etiquette that make communication smoother and more pleasant. In formal writing, this demonstrates attention to detail and awareness of social norms.

Common error

Don't assume that "niceties" always refers to positive interactions. It can also be used ironically to highlight the absence of genuine courtesy or respect, or to dismiss formalities as unimportant in urgent situations. Ensure your tone matches your intent.

Linguistic Context

The noun "niceties" functions primarily to denote elements of etiquette, polite gestures, or formalities in social interactions or procedures. According to Ludwig, it is mostly used in formal contexts, where attention to detail and proper conduct are important. The word can also highlight a lack of such formality, depending on context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "niceties" is a noun used to describe polite or formal customs and behaviors within social contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness is undisputed, and it appears frequently in news, business, and occasionally scientific sources. While it generally carries a neutral to formal tone, it can be used ironically to emphasize the absence of genuine courtesy. When using "niceties", ensure that the context aligns with your intention, whether to highlight adherence to social norms or to dismiss their importance. Consider alternatives like "pleasantries" or "courtesies" to fine-tune your meaning. Overall, understanding "niceties" and its subtleties can enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pleasantries

Replaces "niceties" with a synonym emphasizing polite conversation or remarks.

courtesies

Substitutes "niceties" with a term that highlights acts of politeness and respect.

civilities

Substitutes "niceties" with a focus on maintaining respectful and courteous interactions.

formalities

Replaces "niceties" to focus on adherence to established procedures or customs.

social graces

Emphasizes the aspects of etiquette and refined behavior.

polite gestures

Replaces "niceties" with a phrase that highlights the physical actions associated with politeness.

decorum

Emphasizes dignified behavior and adherence to social standards.

conventional greetings

Focuses on the traditional exchanges of greetings and farewells.

proprieties

Replaces "niceties" to highlight adherence to accepted standards of behavior and morals.

points of etiquette

Focuses specifically on the rules and customs governing polite behavior.

FAQs

How do I use "niceties" in a sentence?

You can use "niceties" to refer to small acts of politeness or formal procedures, such as, "The business meeting began with the usual "exchanging niceties" before getting down to business."

What's a good substitute for the word "niceties"?

Alternatives for "niceties" include words like "pleasantries", "courtesies", or "formalities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey in your writing. If emphasizing politeness, consider "social graces".

When is it appropriate to disregard "niceties"?

Situations that demand immediate action or decisions may require disregarding "niceties". For instance, in an emergency, there's no time for "diplomatic niceties".

Is "niceties" formal or informal?

"Niceties" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's most commonly found in formal writing or speech when referring to established customs and etiquette. It could also be considered informal when referring to small kind acts.