generous applause

USAGE SUMMARY

"generous applause" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a large or enthusiastic round of applause given by a group of people. Example: The actor received generous applause as he took his final bow on stage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Generous applause followed.

The New York Times - Arts

That was met with generous applause.

The New York Times

The audience's most generous applause went to the worst performance.

The New Yorker

Then a bell sounded and they stopped, to generous applause.

The Guardian - Music

The other students gave me warm and generous applause after I finished.

The New Yorker

It was an unreality that the audience at the first press screening rewarded with generous applause.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The Toasmasters are obviously trained to be generous, giving applause for both effort and skill.

The New York Times

It was shortly before midday when Monty Panesar, to generous welcoming applause, began the latest stage of his journey back to the top of his sport.

The Guardian - Sport

The audience is generous in its applause.

The New York Times - Travel

During the performances it had been generous with its applause for the pianists.

The New York Times

Once the ice broke, Anderson was free to move and accepted a generous round of applause.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generous applause" to describe an enthusiastic and prolonged reaction from an audience, often after a performance, speech, or significant achievement. The adjective "generous" implies the audience is giving more than just polite clapping, but a sincere and warm appreciation.

Common error

Avoid using "generous applause" to describe things unrelated to audience reactions. "Generous" should modify "applause," not other nouns like 'gift' or 'donation'. Instead, use 'generous gift' or 'generous donation'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generous applause" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "generous" modifies the noun "applause". According to Ludwig, this phrase is a correct and usable expression in written English. The adjective describes the quality and quantity of the applause.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generous applause" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe enthusiastic and heartfelt clapping from an audience. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports to more informal settings. While alternatives like "enthusiastic applause" or "hearty applause" exist, "generous" emphasizes the warmth and abundance of the appreciation shown. Pay attention to the context and ensure the modifier "generous" appropriately describes the nature of the applause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enthusiastic applause

Replaces "generous" with "enthusiastic", focusing on the feeling behind the applause.

warm applause

Focuses on the positive and welcoming nature of the applause.

hearty applause

Uses "hearty" to emphasize the sincerity and warmth of the applause.

appreciative applause

Highlights that the applause is given out of gratitude and recognition.

rousing applause

Indicates applause that is energetic and stirs excitement.

ample ovation

Replaces "applause" with the semantically similar term "ovation", and "generous" with "ample".

sustained applause

Highlights the duration of the applause, implying strong approval.

rapturous applause

Implies an overwhelming feeling of delight and approval through applause.

thunderous applause

Emphasizes the loudness and intensity of the applause.

standing ovation

Indicates the highest form of applause, where the audience stands to clap.

FAQs

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

You can use "generous applause" to describe an enthusiastic reaction from an audience. For example, "The speaker was met with "generous applause" after delivering a compelling speech."

What can I say instead of "generous applause"?

You can use alternatives like "enthusiastic applause", "hearty applause", or "rousing applause" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a round of generous applause"?

While "a round of applause" is common, adding "generous" is not redundant if you wish to emphasize the enthusiasm and warmth of the applause. It clarifies the kind of applause given.

What's the difference between "generous applause" and "standing ovation"?

"Generous applause" describes the quality of the clapping, indicating warmth and enthusiasm. A "standing ovation", on the other hand, is a specific type of applause where the audience stands up while clapping, signifying exceptional appreciation.