he was very generous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was very generous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is kind and willing to give or share with others, often in the context of money, time, or resources. Example: "During the charity event, he was very generous, donating a significant amount to help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"He was very generous.

The New York Times

He was very generous with them.

The New York Times

"I'm sure he was very generous".

The Guardian

He was very generous to many charities.

The New York Times

He was very generous to both family and friends.

The New York Times

"I told him the plight of my family, and he was very generous".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"He's very generous".

The New York Times

"He's very generous," Ms. Geahan said.

The New York Times

"He is very generous," Rosina says gratefully.

The New York Times - Magazine

He's very generous and a real team player.

The New York Times - Sports

He's very generous, and greatly respected in the company".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's generosity, provide specific examples to illustrate the impact of their actions. For example, instead of saying "he was very generous", say "he was very generous, donating a significant amount to the local food bank".

Common error

Avoid using "very generous" without providing context or specific examples. While grammatically correct, it lacks impact. Replace it with more descriptive phrases or concrete details about their generosity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was very generous" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of generosity to a male subject. It typically serves to highlight the subject's benevolent and giving nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was very generous" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to depict a person's propensity for giving and sharing. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. For more impactful writing, consider providing specific examples of the person's generosity instead of relying solely on the phrase. Alternatives such as "he displayed great generosity" or "he was extremely charitable" can also add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he displayed great generosity

Replaces "very generous" with a more formal noun phrase.

he was known for his generosity

Shifts focus to his reputation for being generous.

he was extremely charitable

Uses a synonym for generous with a stronger intensity.

he often gave lavishly

Emphasizes the abundance of his giving.

he showed great kindness

Highlights the underlying kindness behind the generosity.

his heart overflowed with kindness

Uses metaphorical language to express his generous nature.

he had a giving spirit

Focuses on his inherent nature of generosity.

he never hesitated to give

Highlights his willingness and readiness to be generous.

he was big-hearted

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of his generosity.

he was always willing to share

Focuses on his willingness to share his resources.

FAQs

What does "he was very generous" mean?

The phrase "he was very generous" means that the person in question displayed a great willingness to give or share things of value, such as money, time, or kindness, with others.

How can I use "he was very generous" in a sentence?

You can use "he was very generous" to describe someone's actions or character. For example: "He was very generous with his time, volunteering every week at the local shelter."

What are some alternatives to saying "he was very generous"?

You can use alternatives like "he displayed great generosity", "he was extremely charitable", or "he was big-hearted" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "he was generous" or "he was very generous"?

Both phrases are correct, but "he was very generous" intensifies the description. For a more impactful statement, consider providing specific examples of his generosity instead of just using "very".