were nice enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"were nice enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone's level of kindness. For example: "The staff at the restaurant were nice enough to give me a free dessert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

They were nice enough.

The New Yorker

Virginia Hadley didn't care for the Glassers'; they were nice enough, but... Her husband liked them.

The New Yorker

Some were nice enough, but had no clue as to what they were doing.

The Guardian

"But the umpires were nice enough to check the play out, and it was a home run".

The New York Times - Sports

The clothes that followed were nice enough, but you would be hard pressed to say they were worth the interminable wait.

The New York Times

They were nice enough to keep the kitchen open for us even though it was around 11 p.m. when we arrived.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

They are nice enough people.

The New Yorker

The Wilpons are nice enough.

The New Yorker

Windows Phone is nice enough.

The Guardian - Tech

The notices have been nice enough.

The Guardian - Film

The food, from Julian Medina, is nice enough.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were nice enough" to express gratitude or acknowledge someone's helpfulness in a polite and understated manner. For example, "They were nice enough to offer us a ride home."

Common error

In very formal or professional writing, consider alternatives like "were kind enough" or "were so generous as to" for a more sophisticated tone. While "were nice enough" is perfectly acceptable, choosing a more elevated phrase can enhance the overall impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were nice enough" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject to describe their agreeable or helpful behavior. It typically precedes an infinitive, indicating the specific act of kindness. Ludwig examples confirm its use in expressing gratitude for accommodating or considerate actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were nice enough" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey appreciation for someone's kindness or helpfulness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news and media, with neutral formality making it suitable for various contexts. While there are alternative phrases like "were kind enough" or "were generous enough", choosing the right one depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use "were nice enough" in moderation in overly formal contexts, opting for more sophisticated alternatives when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were kind enough

Replaces 'nice' with 'kind', emphasizing benevolence.

were generous enough

Highlights the generosity of the action or people involved.

were gracious enough

Implies elegance and courtesy in their actions.

were good enough to

Focuses on the act of being helpful or obliging.

were obliging enough

Stresses their willingness to accommodate a request.

were thoughtful enough

Emphasizes their consideration for others.

were considerate enough

Similar to 'thoughtful', highlighting their attentiveness to others' needs.

were decent enough

Suggests they acted with basic kindness or fairness.

were amiable enough

Focuses on their pleasant and friendly demeanor.

were accommodating enough

Highlights their flexibility and willingness to help.

FAQs

How can I use "were nice enough" in a sentence?

You can use "were nice enough" to express appreciation for someone's kindness or willingness to help. For example, "The staff were nice enough to accommodate our late arrival."

What are some alternatives to saying "were nice enough"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "were kind enough", "were generous enough", or "were gracious enough".

Is it grammatically correct to say "were nice enough"?

Yes, "were nice enough" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe someone's agreeable behavior.

What is the difference between "were nice enough" and "were kind enough"?

While both phrases express appreciation for someone's actions, "were kind enough" might suggest a deeper level of benevolence compared to "were nice enough", which is a more general expression of politeness.