pair nicely with

USAGE SUMMARY

"pair nicely with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to suggest that two things fit together nicely, often items of clothing. For example, "This blue blouse pairs nicely with the white pants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

They pair nicely with cheese for nibbling.

The New York Times

Many more mustards would pair nicely with hot dogs.

The New York Times

Tangy and buttery, it would pair nicely with lobster.

The New York Times

Soft-shell crabs amandine pair nicely with soft polenta, but a harsh anchovy coulis creates an annoying dissonance.

The New York Times - Food

And its mild flavor is amenable enough to pair nicely with almost anything else you toss into the bowl.

The New York Times - Food

The trop?enne, apparently a favorite of Brigitte Bardot's, would pair nicely with a cup of very strong coffee.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It pairs nicely with chili peppers and roasted tomatoes.

The New York Times - Arts

His crisp, dark suit pairs nicely with his orange shirt.

The New York Times

He pairs nicely with Richard Schiff, playing an American Jew who helps him.

The New York Times

The tartness of the apricot pairs nicely with yoghurt or cream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The shrimp was just spicy enough, and it paired nicely with the chardonnay (lucky guess).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food pairings, use "pair nicely with" to suggest a harmonious flavor combination. For example, "This wine pairs nicely with grilled salmon."

Common error

Avoid using "pair nicely with" in contexts where a stronger verb, such as "complement" or "enhance", would be more appropriate. Ensure the pairing is truly complementary and not just a simple combination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair nicely with" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that two or more items complement each other well. It suggests a harmonious or pleasing combination, often used in contexts like food and wine pairings, or design and fashion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pair nicely with" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase indicating that two or more elements complement each other effectively. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability, and real-world examples from news sources, wikis, and scientific publications demonstrate its broad applicability. The phrase serves to provide recommendations for harmonious combinations, particularly in contexts like food, design, and fashion. While versatile, it's important to ensure its usage fits the intended context, avoiding overuse where stronger synonyms may be more precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mix nicely with

Replaces "pair" with "mix", focusing on the combination of elements rather than a formal pairing.

complement well with

Uses "complement" to emphasize how something enhances or completes the other.

harmonize well with

Emphasizes a balanced and pleasing combination.

go well with

A simpler and more informal way to express compatibility.

match nicely with

Focuses on the aesthetic or functional compatibility between items.

coordinate nicely with

Suggests a planned or intentional arrangement that works well.

combine effectively with

Highlights the successful integration of two or more things.

blend seamlessly with

Suggests a smooth and natural integration without conflict.

sit well alongside

Emphasizes the pleasant juxtaposition of two things.

align well with

Highlights the similarity in target or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "pair nicely with" in a sentence?

You can use "pair nicely with" to describe how two or more things complement each other well, such as "This cheese "pairs nicely with" a crisp white wine."

What can I say instead of "pair nicely with"?

You can use alternatives like "go well with", "complement well with", or "harmonize well with" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "pair nicely with" or "pair well with"?

Both "pair nicely with" and "pair well with" are correct, but "pair nicely with" suggests a more refined or sophisticated pairing, implying a careful consideration of the elements involved.

What's the difference between "pair nicely with" and "match nicely with"?

"Pair nicely with" often refers to combinations that enhance each other, especially in taste or style, while "match nicely with" implies a visual or functional compatibility. For example, curtains might match the sofa, but a wine pairs with a meal.