What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nice
Example
The weather is so nice today, let's go for a walk. [nice: adjective]
Example
She is a really nice person, always willing to help others. [nice: adjective]
Example
It was nice of you to invite me to your party. [nice: preposition]
polite
Example
He always says please and thank you, he is very polite. [polite: adjective]
Example
It's polite to hold the door open for someone behind you. [polite: adjective]
Example
She wrote a polite email to decline the invitation. [polite: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nice is more commonly used than polite in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more subjective. Polite is more commonly used in formal settings or when discussing social behavior and manners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nice and polite?
Polite is generally considered more formal than nice, as it is associated with proper behavior and manners in social situations. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation and tone of the conversation.
