what was nice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what was nice" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when reflecting on a positive experience or aspect of a situation. An example could be: "What was nice about the trip was the beautiful scenery." Alternative expressions include "what was pleasant" and "what was enjoyable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But what was nice?

The New York Times

"What was nice about Bardot is that she kept a certain insecurity," Vandeperre says.

The New York Times

There were hotplates and what was nice was that you could have a really hot coffee.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"And that was what was nice about the retreat -- getting people to really connect to the wine.

The New York Times

"What was nice about this legislation was it got the benefits out during the recession and it had a plan for paying back the fund over several years.

The New York Times

"What was nice about it was that I could show all my favourite films: we showed more than 100 films a month".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

That's what's nice about this place.

The New York Times

"That's what's nice about the drawing," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"That's what's nice about this event," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, but that's what's nice here.

The New Yorker

SATURDAY'S PUZZLE — You know what's nice?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what was nice", ensure that the context clearly identifies the subject or situation being evaluated. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "what was nice" excessively in formal documents. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms such as "what was agreeable" or "what was commendable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what was nice" functions as a subject complement or a nominal clause. It identifies and describes a positive aspect of a situation or experience. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what was nice" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for highlighting positive aspects of past experiences. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules. While versatile, it's important to consider the context; for formal writing, synonyms like ""what was agreeable"" may be more appropriate. As seen across numerous news and media sources, the phrase serves to express appreciation and positive attributes effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what was agreeable

Replaces "nice" with a more formal synonym, focusing on agreement or pleasantness.

what was pleasant

Similar to "agreeable", but emphasizes enjoyment and satisfaction.

what was enjoyable

Highlights the element of pleasure and delight in the experience.

what was delightful

Indicates a high degree of pleasure and charm.

what was satisfying

Focuses on the fulfillment and gratification derived from the experience.

what was commendable

Emphasizes the praiseworthy or admirable aspects.

what was favorable

Highlights the positive and advantageous aspects.

the appealing aspect

Shifts the focus to the characteristics that attract or please.

the attractive feature

Similar to "appealing aspect" but more specific to a particular element.

a positive aspect

Simplifies the phrase to a general indication of something good.

FAQs

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

You can use "what was nice" to describe a positive aspect of a past experience or situation. For example, "What was nice about the event was the opportunity to network with industry leaders."

What are some alternatives to "what was nice"?

Alternatives include "what was pleasant", "what was enjoyable", or "what was agreeable" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "what was nice" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "what was nice" can sometimes sound informal in very formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "what was commendable" or "the appealing aspect" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "what was nice" and "what is nice"?

"What was nice" refers to something positive in the past, while "what is nice" refers to something currently positive. For example, "What was nice about the vacation was the relaxing atmosphere," versus, "What is nice about this cafe is the quiet ambiance."