be generous

USAGE SUMMARY

"be generous" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used as an imperative sentence, giving a direct command or request to be generous in behavior or actions. Example: "During this holiday season, remember to be generous and donate to those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would be generous.

The New York Times - Magazine

But, be generous a moment.

Independent

The perks can be generous.

The Economist

Be generous with your contacts.

The Economist

5. Be generous.

Harvard Business Review

Be generous with information.

Harvard Business Review

Let's be generous, though.

The Guardian

Washington should be generous.

The New York Times

That might be generous.

The New York Times

Be generous, be honest, be nice.

The New York Times

Rosecrans could afford to be generous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be generous", consider the context to ensure the type of generosity (time, resources, or spirit) is clear to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "be generous" repeatedly in similar contexts; instead, vary your language with synonyms like "be charitable" or "be giving" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be generous" functions primarily as an imperative, urging or advising someone to exhibit generosity. As Ludwig AI explains, it is commonly used and grammatically correct, reflecting a direct command or strong suggestion for kind behavior, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be generous" is a grammatically correct and widely used imperative phrase that encourages actions of kindness, giving, and consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, supported by numerous examples across various contexts. While the phrase is appropriate in both formal and informal settings, it is more frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "be charitable" or "show kindness". Overall, using "be generous" effectively involves being mindful of the specific context and desired impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be giving

A direct synonym, emphasizing the act of giving in various forms.

be charitable

Similar to "be generous" but emphasizes charitable acts and donations.

give freely

Focuses on the act of giving without expecting anything in return.

act selflessly

Focuses on putting others' needs before your own, a key aspect of generosity.

show kindness

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of generosity, emphasizing compassion.

demonstrate compassion

Highlights the emotional aspect of generosity and caring for others.

offer assistance

Highlights the act of providing help or support to others.

extend a helping hand

Emphasizes the active role of providing aid and support.

lend a hand

Informal way of saying offer help or assistance.

practice charity

Specifically refers to giving to those in need, often with a religious or moral connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "be generous" in a sentence?

You can use "be generous" as a direct imperative, such as "Be generous with your time" or "be generous in your praise".

What are some alternatives to "be generous"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "be charitable", "be giving", or "show kindness" as alternatives to "be generous".

Is it grammatically correct to say "be generous"?

Yes, "be generous" is grammatically correct. It's an imperative phrase used to encourage or instruct someone to act generously.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "be generous"?

The phrase "be generous" is appropriate when encouraging acts of kindness, charity, or giving, either with resources, time, or spirit. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as seen in "Washington should be generous" and "be generous with your frosting".