sat well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sat well" is not correct in written English.
It is not a commonly used expression. If you would like to use a phrase like this, you could use the expression "sat well with". For example, "The new policy sat well with the committee."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

None of this sat well.

The New Yorker

"And that never sat well with me".

The New York Times

"That never really sat well with me".

The Guardian

The agency's action has not sat well.

The New York Times - Health

This situation has not sat well with certain dancers.

The New Yorker

But it hasn't sat well with some people here.

The New York Times - Tech

Those changes have not sat well with everyone, though.

The New York Times

Organized religion had never sat well with him.

The New York Times

And that has not always sat well with residents.

The New York Times

The President's attack on the anti-war movement had not sat well with its members.

The New Yorker

There is an earnest quality to his approach that sat well with his greatest advocate, Ferguson.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To express appropriateness or suitability, use alternatives like "suited the occasion" or "fit the bill" for clarity.

Common error

A frequent mistake is using "sat well" in isolation when the intended meaning involves someone or something being pleased or in agreement. Always clarify who or what the subject is by using the preposition "with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sat well" functions as part of a verb phrase, often implying a state of being acceptable or agreeable. However, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically questionable when used alone, often needing the preposition 'with' for completion and clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "sat well" appears in various contexts, it is often more grammatically sound and complete when used as "sat well with". Ludwig AI identifies it as potentially incorrect in isolation. The phrase is generally used to express agreement or acceptance, and it appears most frequently in news and media sources. For clearer communication, consider using the complete phrase or alternatives like "was well-received" or "met with approval". Always clarify who or what the subject is experiencing the feeling by using the preposition "with" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was received favorably

Emphasizes a positive reception or acceptance, focusing on the outcome rather than the feeling.

was well-received

Focuses on the positive way something was accepted by an audience or group.

met with approval

Highlights the formal or explicit endorsement of something.

fit the bill

Indicates that something met the requirements or expectations.

found acceptance

Indicates that something was eventually accepted after a period of consideration or resistance.

resonated positively

Focuses on the positive emotional connection or impact something had.

was agreeable

Implies that something was pleasing or satisfactory.

aligned with expectations

Highlights how something coincides with existing anticipation or standards.

suited the occasion

Highlights the appropriateness or fitness of something for a particular situation.

harmonized with

Suggests a pleasing or compatible combination.

FAQs

How can I use "sat well with" in a sentence?

You can use "sat well with" to indicate that something was pleasing or agreeable to someone. For example: "The decision "sat well with" the team".

What can I say instead of "sat well with"?

You can use alternatives like "was well-received", "met with approval", or "was agreeable" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "sat well" without "with"?

While "sat well" can be found in some contexts, it is often used as part of the phrase "sat well with". Using "sat well" alone might sound incomplete or grammatically questionable in many situations.

What's the difference between "sat well with" and "resonated positively"?

"Sat well with" implies agreement or satisfaction, while "resonated positively" suggests a deeper emotional connection or impact. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.