best pleased

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best pleased" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high level of satisfaction or happiness about something. Example: "After receiving the good news, I was best pleased with the outcome of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not best pleased.

The Guardian

Harvey wasn't best pleased.

Independent

I wasn't best pleased.

The Guardian - Money

Britten was not best pleased.

The Guardian - Music

You didn't look best pleased.

The Guardian - Film

Staff are not best pleased.

The Guardian

Her father wasn't best pleased.

The Guardian - Music

He was not best pleased.

The Guardian

Black: He wasn't best pleased.

The Guardian - Music

The Parsee is not best pleased.

The Guardian - Books

McDonagh, however, is still not best pleased.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "best pleased" to express a strong sense of satisfaction, especially when acknowledging a positive outcome or result. It adds a touch of formality and emphasis to your expression.

Common error

Avoid using "best pleased" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very happy" or "really glad".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best pleased" functions as an adjective phrase that typically modifies a subject to indicate a state of high satisfaction or contentment. Ludwig examples show it's used to describe someone's feelings about an event or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "best pleased" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that conveys a strong sense of satisfaction. According to Ludwig, its use is typically neutral, appearing primarily in news and media contexts. While "best pleased" is widely accepted, it's best reserved for situations where a heightened level of formality is appropriate, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives such as "very satisfied" or "extremely happy" can provide similar meaning with a slightly less formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely satisfied

This alternative intensifies the level of satisfaction beyond simply "pleased".

very delighted

This alternative provides a heightened sense of joy and gratification.

highly gratified

This alternative implies a sense of deep satisfaction and appreciation.

utterly content

This alternative conveys a feeling of complete satisfaction and fulfillment.

incredibly appreciative

This alternative emphasizes gratitude alongside satisfaction.

thoroughly satisfied

This alternative focuses on the completeness of the satisfaction experienced.

completely fulfilled

This alternative suggests a sense of accomplishment and contentment.

exceedingly happy

This alternative highlights the joyful aspect of being pleased.

overjoyed

This alternative expresses an overwhelming sense of happiness.

elated

This alternative captures a feeling of great happiness and excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "best pleased" in a sentence?

You can use "best pleased" to express a high degree of satisfaction. For example, "The manager was best pleased with the team's performance this quarter".

What are some alternatives to saying "best pleased"?

Alternatives include "very satisfied", "extremely happy", or "highly gratified" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "best pleased" more formal than "very pleased"?

Yes, "best pleased" carries a slightly more formal tone compared to the more common phrase "very pleased". It's suitable for professional or official communication.

When should I avoid using the phrase "best pleased"?

Avoid using "best pleased" in very casual or informal settings where it might sound overly stiff or unnatural. Simpler alternatives such as "happy" or "glad" are often more appropriate in those situations.