she was adorable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was adorable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone in a charming or endearing way, often in a context where you are expressing affection or admiration. Example: "As she played with the puppy, it was clear that she was adorable, capturing everyone's hearts in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Flora had thought for a while that his real name started with a B and when she asked him once why he didn't have his shirts monogrammed, too, he laughed with real surprise and told her she was adorable.

Vice

("She was adorable," Sassoon said later).

The New Yorker

She was adorable and he clearly loved her, which made him even more attractive.

The New York Times

She was adorable, witty and incredible fun, Olivier wrote in "Confessions of an Actor".

The New York Times

"She was adorable, Natasha, she really was, besides being, as we know, a marvellous actress.

The Guardian

Lanktree said of Williams: "She was adorable, but silver doesn't do it in the marketplace, especially in track.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

She is originally from Peru and she is adorable.

The New York Times

Instead, and especially when wearing glasses, she is adorable.

The New York Times

See, she's adorable off the show, too!

Huffington Post

"She's adorable.

The New York Times

SARA: She's adorable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she was adorable" to describe someone you find particularly charming and delightful. It's suitable for expressing genuine affection or admiration in both personal anecdotes and descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "she was adorable" in highly formal or professional settings, as it can sound too informal or sentimental. Opt for more neutral descriptors like "pleasant" or "charming" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was adorable" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing someone in a positive and affectionate light. It serves to express admiration and fondness for the person being described, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she was adorable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey admiration and fondness, as Ludwig confirms. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it serves to express positive feelings about someone's character or appearance. While versatile, it's best to avoid this phrase in highly formal contexts, opting for more neutral alternatives when necessary. With its roots in affectionate description, "she was adorable" remains a charming and effective way to express endearment. There are 10 real world usage examples from credible sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was charming

Replaces "adorable" with "charming", focusing on a pleasing or attractive quality.

she was delightful

Uses "delightful" to emphasize the pleasant and enjoyable nature of the person.

she was endearing

Replaces "adorable" with "endearing", highlighting the ability to inspire affection.

she was lovely

Uses "lovely" as a simple and direct synonym for "adorable".

she was sweet

Focuses on the kind and gentle nature of the person.

she was precious

Emphasizes the value and cherished quality of the person.

she was captivating

Highlights the person's ability to attract and hold interest.

she was enchanting

Suggests a magical or spellbinding quality.

she was winsome

Emphasizes the person's charm and attractiveness in a childlike or innocent way.

she was a doll

An informal and affectionate expression.

FAQs

How can I use "she was adorable" in a sentence?

You can use "she was adorable" to describe someone you found charming or delightful in the past. For instance, "When I first met her, "she was adorable" and immediately likeable."

What are some alternatives to "she was adorable"?

Alternatives include phrases like "she was charming", "she was delightful", or "she was endearing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "she is adorable" or "she was adorable" more appropriate?

Use "she is adorable" to describe someone who is currently adorable. Use "she was adorable" to describe someone who was adorable in the past or in a specific past situation.

What does it mean when someone says "she was adorable"?

It means the speaker found the person charming, delightful, and very pleasing to be around. It expresses a feeling of affection and positive regard.