that was nice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was nice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express appreciation or approval of something that has just occurred or been experienced. Example: "After the meal, I turned to my friend and said, 'That was nice.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Literature

Conversational English

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jeez, that was nice!

The New Yorker

Oritsé So that was nice of Si.

The Guardian

"Oh, yes, that was nice," Mrs. Hajinian said.

The New York Times

Ah well, that was nice while it lasted.

The Guardian - Sport

He had a '77 Cougar that was nice and clean.

The New Yorker

That happened for — and you know what else that was nice?

The New York Times

AP: Yes, that was nice.

Huffington Post

I suppose hardly anyone says, "Hey, that was nice" anymore.

Los Angeles Times

There was something about him that was nice.

Huffington Post

Being 30 minutes from the beach, the mountains and the desert — that was nice too.

Los Angeles Times

"That was nice going.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was nice" to express genuine appreciation or acknowledgement. Tailor your intonation and body language to match the sentiment for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "that was nice" in highly formal or professional settings where more sophisticated language might be expected. Opt for alternatives that convey a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was nice" functions primarily as an evaluative expression, typically used to convey a positive assessment of an experience, action, or object. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Literature

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was nice" is a versatile phrase employed to express appreciation, satisfaction, or approval in various scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally appropriate for neutral settings, consider more sophisticated alternatives for formal or professional environments. Remember to tailor your delivery to match the sentiment and avoid overuse in contexts demanding more nuanced language. Overall, "that was nice" is a reliable and straightforward way to acknowledge positive experiences and gestures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was pleasant

Replaces "nice" with a synonym emphasizing agreeableness or enjoyability.

that was enjoyable

Focuses on the pleasurable aspect of the experience.

that was lovely

Uses a more affectionate term to express delight.

that was wonderful

Emphasizes the exceptionally positive nature of the experience.

that was great

A more general expression of approval or satisfaction.

that was satisfying

Highlights the fulfillment or contentment derived from the experience.

that was delightful

Expresses a high degree of pleasure and charm.

that was kind

Highlights the benevolent nature of the experience.

that was thoughtful

Replaces "nice" by focusing on attentiveness.

that was appreciated

Shifts focus to express direct gratitude.

FAQs

How can I use "that was nice" in a sentence?

You can use "that was nice" to express your appreciation or satisfaction after an event, a gesture, or an experience. For instance, after a meal, you might say, "That was nice, thank you."

What's a more formal alternative to "that was nice"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative, consider phrases like "that was delightful", "that was quite pleasant", or "that was most appreciated". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated tone for professional or formal contexts.

Is it okay to use "that was nice" in written English?

Yes, "that was nice" is perfectly acceptable in written English, especially in informal or conversational contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether it's the most appropriate choice.

What is the difference between "that was nice" and "that was kind"?

"That was nice" generally expresses appreciation or satisfaction with something. "That was kind" specifically acknowledges someone's thoughtfulness or generosity. The choice depends on whether you're reacting to a general positive experience or specifically to an act of kindness.