to talk nicely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to talk nicely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to speaking in a pleasant, polite, or kind manner. Example: "It's important to talk nicely to others, especially in a professional setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It was better to talk nicely to them than to be angry with them," he said.

The New York Times

Politely ask her to talk nicely and calm down.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She describes him as a "toothpick of a man" who doesn't talk nicely to Nina.

The New Yorker

And maybe talk nicely to yourself and let yourself know that you are the mother your children need, and they don't need you to be anyone else but you.

Huffington Post

Tennessee -- a clearly friendlier land, where people stop and talk nicely to strangers and women don't glare at one another, size up their yoga pants or charge through town in their massive SUVs.

Huffington Post

Without it we can't even move, when people talk nicely to us, we take it very negatively.

BMC Public Health

Last September, our five-year-old could talk nicely and count to 10. Now he can read, write, and explain to me in detail which nutritional and exercise strategies might make me "a bit less slightly fat".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even now, when I talk about these things in Senegal, if I am interviewed on the radio, then people will call in and not talk nicely, threats, tell me I must not talk against these things".

The Guardian

If he talks nicely and respectfully that means he'll talk nicely and respectfully about you.

WikiHow

Mahima, Domestic Worker "If I come to work, everyone here talks nicely to me and I can share my feelings with them and people crack jokes and spend time in a very jolly manner so I get a feeling that if I come to work I can forget a few bad things which have happened in my life and be happy for sometime at least.

BMC Women's Health

President Vladimir Putin has been talking nicely to Georgia recently, but there are no signs yet of deeds to match.Yet, for all its problems, mostly free, peaceable Georgia is easily the region's most promising partner for the West.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving feedback, start by acknowledging positive aspects before addressing areas for improvement; this is "to talk nicely" and makes the critique more palatable.

Common error

Don't use overly polite language to mask passive-aggressive behavior. Insincere politeness can erode trust and create a hostile environment, even if your words seem pleasant on the surface.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to talk nicely" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically describes how someone should speak or communicate. It emphasizes the manner in which speech should be delivered, focusing on politeness and kindness. As Ludwig indicates, it refers to speaking in a pleasant, polite, or kind manner.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to talk nicely" is a grammatically correct expression that advises or recommends communicating in a polite and kind manner. Although relatively rare in frequency, as Ludwig shows, it's suitable for neutral contexts. The provided examples and analysis suggest that the phrase emphasizes respect and consideration in communication, making it a valuable guideline in interpersonal interactions. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to speak kindly

Emphasizes the quality of kindness in speech, rather than just politeness.

to communicate politely

Focuses on the manner of communication, highlighting the use of polite language and etiquette.

to address respectfully

Highlights showing deference and esteem through your speech.

to use courteous language

Focuses on the specific choice of words to be respectful and polite.

to be considerate in speech

Highlights the importance of thinking about the impact of your words on others.

to express oneself gently

Emphasizes a soft and non-confrontational approach to communication.

to engage in civil discourse

Suggests a more formal and structured conversation characterized by respect and reasoned arguments.

to be tactful when speaking

Highlights the skill of saying the right thing at the right time, avoiding offense.

to be diplomatic in communication

Suggests handling sensitive issues with grace and skill, particularly in negotiations or difficult conversations.

to use a gentle tone

Focuses on the vocal quality of the communication, emphasizing a soft and pleasant sound.

FAQs

What does "to talk nicely" mean?

The phrase "to talk nicely" means to communicate in a pleasant, polite, and kind manner, showing consideration and respect for others.

How can I use "to talk nicely" in a sentence?

You can use "to talk nicely" in sentences like, "It's important "to talk nicely" to customer service representatives" or "The manager encouraged employees "to talk nicely" to each other."

What are some alternatives "to talk nicely"?

Alternatives to "to talk nicely" include "to speak kindly", "to communicate politely", or "to address respectfully".

Is it always appropriate "to talk nicely", even in serious situations?

While it's generally good practice "to talk nicely", there are situations where directness and clarity are more important. However, maintaining a respectful tone, even in serious discussions, is usually beneficial.