is very nonconfrontational

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very nonconfrontational" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone’s demeanor or approach in a situation where they avoid conflict or confrontation. Example: "Her communication style is very nonconfrontational, which helps to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He is very nonconfrontational.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He's very nonconfrontational, but also very good at persuading people.

The New Yorker

— is very, very important.

The New York Times

I was very, very, very, very anxious.

The New Yorker

"It was very, very, very, very late".

The New Yorker

Be very, very afraid.

The New York Times - Magazine

Be very, very creative.

WikiHow

Be very, very random.

WikiHow

Be very, very convincing.

WikiHow

I thought he was awesome," Turner said".He was just really nonconfrontational.

Los Angeles Times

"He was just really nonconfrontational.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is very nonconfrontational" when you want to emphasize someone's consistent avoidance of arguments or disagreements. This phrase is suitable for describing personality traits or behavior in professional or personal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically sound, relying too heavily on "very" can make your writing less impactful. Consider replacing "is very nonconfrontational" with stronger synonyms like "is remarkably docile" or "is exceptionally diplomatic" for a more vivid description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very nonconfrontational" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a tendency to avoid conflict or disagreement. It describes a characteristic of a person's behavior or personality, as supported by the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very nonconfrontational" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes someone who avoids conflict. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples from various sources, predominantly News & Media. While effective, it's important to consider stronger synonyms for a more impactful description. Although not very frequent, it can be found in many contexts, from news to business. Remember that while being nonconfrontational is often positive, overdoing it can have drawbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tends to avoid conflict

Directly states the avoidance of conflict.

is averse to confrontation

Emphasizes a strong dislike for confrontational situations.

is extremely conciliatory

Highlights the person's willingness to reconcile and find common ground.

is exceptionally diplomatic

Focuses on skill in handling sensitive situations effectively.

is disinclined to argue

Highlights the unwillingness to engage in arguments.

is highly agreeable

Emphasizes the person's tendency to agree with others.

prefers to keep the peace

Highlights the preference for maintaining harmony and avoiding disputes.

is not one to make waves

Implies an intention to avoid creating problems or disturbances.

is quite passive

Focuses on the lack of assertiveness.

is remarkably docile

Suggests a high degree of submissiveness and willingness to yield.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "is very nonconfrontational"?

Saying someone "is very nonconfrontational" means they typically avoid arguments or disagreements, preferring to maintain peace and harmony. It suggests a reluctance to engage in confrontational situations.

Are there situations where being "very nonconfrontational" could be a problem?

Yes, while being nonconfrontational can be positive, being too nonconfrontational might lead to issues. It could result in not expressing one's own needs or opinions, or allowing others to take advantage. Knowing when to assert oneself is important.

What can I say instead of "is very nonconfrontational"?

You can use alternatives like "is highly agreeable", "tends to avoid conflict", or "is exceptionally diplomatic" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe a leader as "very nonconfrontational"?

It depends on the context. Describing a leader as "very nonconfrontational" could suggest they are good at building consensus, but it might also imply a lack of assertiveness or decisiveness in challenging situations. It's important to consider the specific qualities you want to convey.