are gentle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are gentle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the nature or behavior of a subject, indicating that they are kind, mild, or soft in manner. Example: "The caregivers are gentle with the children, ensuring they feel safe and loved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Their sexuality might display gentleness and modesty, but that doesn't mean that they are gentle people".

The New York Times

Their futures are gentle.

The New York Times - Magazine

The prices are gentle.

The New York Times

Scottish folds are gentle and quiet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These things are gentle, fragile even.

Independent

(Prices are gentle; pours are generous).

The New Yorker

And apparently they are gentle giants.

Independent

TRADITIONALLY most saints are gentle creatures.

The Economist

They are gentle, sweet, playful and goofy.

The New York Times

They are gentle and family-friendly.

The Guardian - Travel

The slopes of shield volcanoes are gentle, seldom exceeding 6°.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's character, use "are gentle" to convey kindness, empathy, and a non-aggressive nature.

Common error

Avoid using "are gentle" to describe situations that require strength or assertiveness. For example, don't say "The negotiations are gentle" if you mean they are progressing without conflict, instead of implying a lack of forcefulness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are gentle" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a quality of mildness, kindness, or gradualness. Ludwig examples show its use in describing people, slopes, and methods, among others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are gentle" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe qualities of mildness, kindness, and gradualness. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. It is worth noting that the word order of the phrase is not flexible. Ludwig also validates the appropriateness and usability of this phrase in various contexts. While generally positive, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and whether alternatives like "are tender" or "are kind" might be more fitting. Avoid misusing it in situations that require strength or assertiveness. The frequency of the examples confirms that the phrase is widely used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are tender

Direct synonym focusing on care and affection.

are considerate

Emphasizes thoughtfulness and awareness of others' feelings.

display kindness

Focuses on the act of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

exhibit tenderness

Emphasizes the quality of showing affection and care.

seem amiable

Indicates a general feeling of friendliness and pleasantness.

are soft-hearted

Highlights emotional sensitivity and empathy.

possess mildness

Highlights the quality of being moderate and not extreme.

come across as mild

Describes the impression of being gentle and not harsh.

are placid

Implies a calm and peaceful nature.

are easygoing

Highlights a relaxed and tolerant attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "are gentle" in a sentence?

You can use "are gentle" to describe people's personalities (e.g., "The caregivers are gentle with the children"), physical attributes (e.g., "The slopes are gentle"), or even abstract concepts (e.g., "The methods are gentle").

What's the difference between "are gentle" and "are kind"?

While both convey positive qualities, "are gentle" emphasizes a mild and non-aggressive nature, while "are kind" focuses more broadly on benevolence and goodwill. "Are gentle" suggests tenderness, whereas "are kind" highlights generosity and compassion.

What are some alternatives to saying "are gentle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are tender", "are mild", or "are compassionate" to express similar meanings.

Is it always appropriate to use "are gentle" to describe someone's personality?

While generally positive, using "are gentle" might not always be suitable. It can sometimes imply a lack of assertiveness or strength. Consider the context and whether a stronger term might be more appropriate.