more than happy

USAGE SUMMARY

"more than happy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a way to express that you are very pleased and eager to do something. For example, "I am more than happy to help you with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was more than happy to oblige.

The New York Times

More than happy to make amends, Kai.

The Guardian - Sport

We're more than happy today".

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm more than happy now," Robert concludes.

Independent

I'm more than happy with my lot.

The New Yorker

He was more than happy to help.

The Guardian

I'm more than happy with him.

The Guardian - Sport

More than happy to cooperate with everyone.

The Washington Post

"We're more than happy," he said.

The New York Times

"Now they're more than happy to talk".

The New York Times - Arts

They are more than happy to haggle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than happy" to express genuine enthusiasm or willingness, but avoid overuse in formal contexts where a more nuanced expression of agreement might be appropriate.

Common error

While widely accepted, "more than happy" might sound too informal for certain professional or academic settings. Consider using phrases like "pleased to assist" or "willing to collaborate" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than happy" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, expressing a heightened state of contentment or willingness. Ludwig indicates that this is a common and grammatically sound expression. Examples show its use to convey eagerness to assist or agree.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more than happy" is a widely used phrase to express enthusiasm or willingness. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and common in various contexts. While frequently found in News & Media and informal settings like Wiki, it may be less suitable for highly formal environments. For those situations, consider alternatives such as "pleased to assist" or "willing to collaborate". Remember to use "more than happy" when you genuinely want to convey your positive and agreeable attitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than willing

Similar meaning but focus more on being willing, readiness, or agreement to do something.

very pleased

Replaces "happy" with a synonym and intensifies the feeling with "very".

delighted to

Substitutes "happy" with "delighted", indicating a higher degree of pleasure.

glad to

Uses a simpler synonym for "happy", conveying a basic sense of pleasure and willingness.

pleased to

A more formal alternative to "happy", indicating satisfaction.

thrilled to

Replaces "happy" with "thrilled", indicating a higher degree of excitement and pleasure.

willing to

Focuses on the willingness aspect, omitting the emotional component of happiness.

eager to

Highlights the enthusiasm and anticipation, rather than the contentment.

content to

Emphasizes satisfaction and acceptance, rather than excitement or eagerness.

extremely satisfied

Uses "satisfied" to convey contentment and adds "extremely" for emphasis, shifting from happiness to satisfaction.

FAQs

What does "more than happy" mean?

The phrase "more than happy" is an idiomatic expression used to convey a strong sense of pleasure, willingness, or enthusiasm to do something. It indicates that you are very pleased and agreeable to a request or situation.

How can I use "more than happy" in a sentence?

You can use "more than happy" when you want to express your enthusiasm or willingness. For example, "I'm "more than happy" to help you with your presentation" or "We are "more than happy" to accommodate your request."

What are some alternatives to saying "more than happy"?

Alternatives to "more than happy" include "very pleased", "delighted to", "glad to", or "willing to", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "more than happy" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "more than happy" may be considered too informal for certain highly formal or professional contexts. In such cases, consider using phrases like "pleased to assist" or "willing to collaborate" to maintain a more suitable tone.