Cool MateThat is so sweet vs That's nice
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That is so sweet
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
That's nice
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most formal: That's niceMost common: That's nice
| That is so sweet | That's nice | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæt ɪz səʊ swiːt//🇺🇸 //ðæt ɪz soʊ swiːt// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts naɪs//🇺🇸 //ðæts naɪs// |
| Meaning | That is very nice or kind. | It's pleasing or good. |
| Example | When she surprised me with flowers, I thought, 'That is so sweet!' | I got a new job! |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | that is so kind, that is so nice, that is so thoughtful, that is so cute, that is so hilarious | that's nice to hear, that's nice of you, that's nice weather |
| Antonyms | - | that's awful, that's terrible |
| Common mistakes | Used too formally in serious contexts., Confused with 'sweet' as in taste., Overused can sound insincere. | Used too enthusiastically when it's not appropriate., Confused with 'that's great' for stronger approval., Said in response to negative news. |
| Usage notes | Use in casual conversation to express appreciation or affection. It's friendly but may not be serious. | Often used to express mild approval or agreement. May sound insincere in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: That is so sweet vs That's nice
What's the difference between That is so sweet and That's nice?
That is so sweet: That is very nice or kind. That's nice: It's pleasing or good.
Which is more formal: That is so sweet and That's nice?
That's nice is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: That is so sweet and That's nice?
That's nice is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That is so sweet: When she surprised me with flowers, I thought, 'That is so sweet!' That's nice: I got a new job!
Can I use That is so sweet and That's nice interchangeably?
Not always. That is so sweet and That's nice are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.