be happy that

USAGE SUMMARY

"be happy that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that someone should feel happy or thankful for something in particular. For example, "Be happy that you have such a supportive family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is it Okay to Be Happy That My Grandma Died?

Vice

You should be happy that he's reading.

The New Yorker

Just be happy that she did.

The New York Times - Arts

They should be happy that this category has grown.

The Economist

"He'd certainly be happy that things have gone so well.

Independent

Coach K cannot be happy that just happened.

The Guardian - Sport

Just be happy that you have found it.

The Guardian

Would you be happy that your DNA had been sequenced?

The Guardian - Opinion

"He'd be happy that I'm still working hard at this".

The New York Times - Sports

To be happy that the hell has passed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just be happy that the PNA is not positive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be happy that" to encourage a positive perspective, especially when someone is facing difficulties or expressing dissatisfaction.

Common error

Avoid using "be happy that" excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "be grateful", "be pleased", or rephrasing the sentence to express positivity more subtly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be happy that" functions as an imperative or exhortative construction, primarily used to encourage or suggest a positive emotional response to a given situation or fact. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

44%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be happy that" is a common and correct way to encourage a positive outlook. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests that someone should feel happy or thankful for something specific. Examples from Ludwig's sources show that it's frequently used in news articles and general writing to reframe situations positively. Although versatile, avoiding overuse and considering synonyms like "be glad that" or "be grateful that" can enhance your writing. Remember that its tone is usually neutral but context-dependent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be glad that

Direct synonym, expressing a feeling of pleasure or joy about something.

be pleased that

Slightly more formal, indicating satisfaction or approval.

rejoice that

Emphasizes a more exuberant or celebratory feeling.

be content that

Highlights a state of peaceful satisfaction or acceptance.

appreciate that

Focuses on gratitude or thankfulness.

be grateful that

Similar to appreciate, but with a stronger emphasis on thankfulness.

find solace in the fact that

Suggests finding comfort in a particular situation.

take comfort in knowing that

Highlights the reassurance or peace of mind derived from a fact.

count your blessings that

Emphasizes recognizing and valuing positive aspects of a situation.

look on the bright side that

Encourages focusing on the positive aspects of a situation, even when facing challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "be happy that" in a sentence?

You can use "be happy that" to express or suggest contentment about a situation. For example, "Be happy that you have the opportunity to learn and grow."

What are some alternatives to "be happy that"?

Consider using alternatives like "be glad that", "be grateful that", or "be pleased that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "be happy that" and "be glad that"?

While similar, "be happy that" might suggest a broader sense of contentment, whereas "be glad that" can imply a more specific or immediate feeling of pleasure.

In what contexts is "be happy that" most appropriate?

"Be happy that" is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal writing. However, avoid overusing it, especially in situations where a more nuanced expression of positive emotion is warranted.