they are nice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are nice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe people or things that you find pleasant or agreeable. Example: "The new neighbors are nice; they always greet us with a smile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are nice, of course.

Independent

They are nice enough people.

The New Yorker

"They are nice guys," he said.

The New York Times

Most of them, they are nice people.

The Guardian - Tech

"For the first three messages they are nice," she says.

MIT Technology Review

They are nice touches, but at $495, expensive ones.

The New York Times

"But the Devils fans, they are nice and calm".

The New York Times

They are nice people, they are not extreme.

The Guardian

Cook the potatoes until they are nice and tender.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They are nice ladies … But they are all the same.

The Guardian

Beat the eggs thoroughly with an egg beater until they are nice and foamy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are nice" to describe people, follow it with a specific reason why you think they are nice. For example, "They are nice because they always offer to help."

Common error

While "they are nice" is perfectly acceptable, try to avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "kind", "pleasant", or "agreeable" to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are nice" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It's used to express a positive opinion or evaluation of a subject, whether it's people, things, or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are nice" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to express a positive sentiment, applying to people, objects, or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in diverse contexts, including news media, informal conversations, and professional settings. While simple, its widespread use underscores its effectiveness in conveying approval and creating an agreeable tone. For more nuanced writing, consider using synonyms such as "they are pleasant" or "they are kind" to enrich your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are agreeable

Uses a more formal adjective to describe their pleasant nature.

they are pleasant

Employs a synonym with a slightly different connotation of ease and comfort.

they are lovely

Replaces "nice" with an adjective emphasizing charm and attractiveness.

they are delightful

Suggests a higher degree of pleasure and enjoyment.

they are kind

Focuses on their benevolent and considerate behavior.

they are friendly

Highlights their approachable and amicable demeanor.

they are wonderful

Expresses a stronger sense of admiration and appreciation.

they are great

Uses a more general term of approval and satisfaction.

they are charming

Emphasizes their ability to please and attract others.

they are well-behaved

Indicates their good manners and conduct.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "they are nice"?

You can use alternatives like "they are kind", "they are pleasant", or "they are friendly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they are nice people"?

Yes, "they are nice people" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It simply adds the noun "people" to specify who you are describing as nice.

Can "they are nice" be used to describe things, not just people?

Yes, "they are nice" can also be used to describe objects or situations. For example, "These flowers are nice", or "The weather conditions are nice today".

What's the difference between "they are nice" and "they seem nice"?

"They are nice" expresses a more definitive opinion based on experience or observation. "They seem nice" implies that your impression is based on limited interaction and may not be fully confirmed.