she was friendly

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "She was friendly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's behavior or character. For example, "I had never met Susan before, but she was friendly and welcoming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

She was friendly and chatty.

The New Yorker

"She was friendly, outgoing".

The New York Times

"She was friendly," Ms. Smith said.

The New York Times

She was friendly but reserved".

The Guardian

"Anne had a fever, too; she was friendly and sweet.

The New York Times

She was friendly, open and happy to discuss her size.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Suffice it to say, she was friendlier when we were both broke and struggling.

Huffington Post

She's friendly.

The New Yorker

She's friendly at first.

The New Yorker

She is friendly but firm.

The New York Times

(Talk to her. She's friendly).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "she was friendly" with specific examples of her behavior to provide a more detailed picture. For example, "She was friendly, always offering a smile and a kind word."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "she was friendly" without providing context. The term can be generic. Instead, elaborate on how she demonstrated friendliness to create a stronger impression. For example, instead of "She was friendly", try "She was friendly, introducing herself to everyone and making an effort to remember their names".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was friendly" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a subject (she) with the adjective 'friendly'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating its grammatical soundness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she was friendly" is a common and straightforward way to describe someone as approachable and amiable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its widespread use across various contexts, especially in news and media, indicates its versatility. While generally neutral in register, consider providing specific examples of the person's behavior to add depth. For alternatives, "she was approachable" or "she was outgoing" may offer subtle differences in meaning. Remember to elaborate on how someone demonstrates friendliness to avoid vague descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was approachable

Replaces "friendly" with a synonym focusing on ease of interaction.

she was amiable

Uses a more formal synonym for "friendly", indicating a pleasant disposition.

she was outgoing

Highlights her extroverted and sociable nature, similar to being friendly.

she had a warm personality

Describes her overall character as welcoming and kind.

she was cordial

Emphasizes politeness and courteousness in her friendly demeanor.

she was sociable

Focuses on her enjoyment and ability to interact with others.

she made people feel comfortable

Highlights the impact of her friendly nature on others.

she was affable

Uses a less common synonym for friendly, suggesting a pleasant and easygoing manner.

she was easy to talk to

Focuses on her approachability and openness in conversation.

she was good-natured

Indicates that she had a pleasant and agreeable disposition.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is more than just friendly?

You can use stronger adjectives like "she was warm", "she was kind", or "she was compassionate" to convey a deeper level of connection and empathy.

What are some alternatives to "she was friendly" in a formal setting?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "she was cordial", "she was approachable", or "she exhibited professionalism and a welcoming attitude."

Is it correct to say "she was friendlily"?

No, "friendlily" is not a commonly used or grammatically sound adverb. It's better to say "she acted in a friendly manner" or simply "she was friendly".

How does "she was friendly" differ from "she was being friendly"?

"She was friendly" describes her general disposition or character. "She was being friendly" suggests she was making a conscious effort to be friendly at that particular time. It implies the action might be temporary or situational.