nice
The adjective “nice” is used for a person’s good behavior or for things that are of high quality.
- She’s a very nice woman.
- This table is nice!
- This is a nice place you have here.
a. nice = good behavior
When a person is well-behaved, you can say he or she is “nice.”
- She’s being nice.
- You should be nice to other people.
- They are very nice people.
- I find that most people I have met from other countries are very nice.
- It’s not that hard to be a nice person.
- Be nice!
Negative
- She’s not being nice.
- They’re aren’t very nice people.
- I wish I had a nice boss. Mine’s not very nice.
- We don’t have nice neighbors.
- He’s a very nice man.
- Those kids are so nice!
b. nice = good / admirable / valuable (things)
Things that you admire or things that are valuable can be nice.
- That’s a nice table.
- We had a very nice conversation in class today.
- This house has some nice features.
- This area has a reputation for being nice.
When talking about things or situations, sometimes “nice” is used sarcastically:
- NIce shirt. (It’s not really nice. It might be ugly or highly unusual.)
- How nice. (That’s not good.)
- Oh, that’s nice. (That’s not good.)
- Nice. (I’m not happy about this)
- They had a very nice meeting today.
- That’s a nice car!
c. nice + infinitive
When putting a sentence together, “nice” is often followed by an infinitive to + the simple form of a verb. Use “it” as a subject.
- It’s nice to meet you.
- It’s nice to be outside in the summer time
- It was nice to see them again.
- It has been nice to work for that company for so many years.
- It’s nice to have wild turkeys in our neighborhood.
- It’s so nice to see you again!
- It’s nice to have a job that you love.
d. Add "ly" to "nice" to form the adverb, "nicely."
The adverb “nicely” is used for actions or performances that are nice.
- Those children are playing very nicely with each other.
- She sings so nicely.
- Nicely done! (This is almost the same as “well done.”)
- That was a nicely executed play on the field. (used for soccer, football, baseball, and other sports)
- You can live very nicely in this part of the country. (You can have everything you need plus more.)
- This is working out nicely. (This is a good situation.)
Note: You may find in American English, some speakers prefer to use “nice” as an adverb: They are playing nice. / This is working out nice.
- Millenium Park in Chicago is a nicely designed public space.
- He dresses nicely for work.
e. expressions that include "nice":
The word “nice” is included in these expressions:
- NIce guys finish last. (If you are a nice person, it might not help you win when you compete.)
- NIce and easy. (Be careful.)
- Nice try. (You tried something but you weren’t successful)
- Play nice. (Be on your best behavior.)
- NIce! (This is all you have to say in order to express your approval of a situation. Watch the video for an example of this.)
- What a nice surprise! (a nice surprise = an unexpected but pleasant experience)
- Nice touch. (That’s a nice detail or something interesting.)
- He has a nice surprise for his girlfriend.
- What a nice surprise!
- Matching his umbrella to his clothing was a nice touch.