she was very gracious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was very gracious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is kind, courteous, or generous in their behavior or actions. Example: "After receiving the award, she was very gracious in her acceptance speech, thanking everyone who had supported her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But she was very gracious".

The New York Times

"She was very gracious.

The New York Times

"She was very gracious," he said.

The New York Times

"She was very gracious, but I felt guilty".

The New York Times

"She was very gracious and very, very warm," Mr. Hikind said yesterday.

The New York Times

"When I became First Lady, she was very gracious to me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But she's very gracious and delightful.

The Guardian

'She is very gracious about it,' Cornwell adds.

The Guardian - Books

She added the Hanahan Police Department was "very gracious" to participate in the 10-minute-long photo shoot with actress Courtney Fazely.

Huffington Post

"He was very gracious," she said of Mr. Jackson.

The New York Times

Lynn was very gracious, and after a few moments she excused herself.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she was very gracious" to describe someone's polite, kind, and considerate behavior, especially in situations where they might have reason to be otherwise. It's effective for highlighting their positive demeanor.

Common error

Avoid using "she was very gracious" in contexts where it might imply the person was overly accommodating to the point of lacking assertiveness. Ensure the context emphasizes genuine kindness rather than forced compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was very gracious" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a quality of gracefulness to a female subject. Ludwig shows this is a common way to commend someone's behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66.67%

Formal & Business

11.11%

Science

11.11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she was very gracious" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a woman's kind, courteous, and generous behavior. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase often appears in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While generally neutral in register, it effectively conveys admiration and approval. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning and consider alternative expressions like "she was extremely kind" or "she was quite generous" to achieve the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was extremely kind

Emphasizes the degree of kindness, suggesting a higher level of warmth and empathy.

she was quite generous

Focuses on the act of giving or sharing, highlighting a willingness to provide more than necessary.

she was remarkably courteous

Highlights politeness and respectfulness in her behavior, emphasizing adherence to social norms.

she was exceptionally polite

Similar to courteous, but may imply a more deliberate effort to be respectful and considerate.

she showed great grace

Implies poise, elegance, and composure, particularly in challenging situations.

she acted with immense dignity

Highlights her self-respect and composure, especially in adverse circumstances.

she was very benevolent

Focuses on her desire to do good and act charitably towards others.

she was magnanimous

Implies a generous and forgiving nature, especially towards rivals or those less fortunate.

she was a model of propriety

Highlights conformity with what is socially acceptable in conduct or speech.

her actions were laudable

Emphasizes the praiseworthiness and merit of her deeds, moving the focus to her behaviour.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "she was very gracious"?

Saying "she was very gracious" means that the person was kind, courteous, and generous, especially in a situation where they might have had reason to be otherwise. It highlights their positive and considerate behavior.

What are some synonyms for "she was very gracious"?

Alternatives to "she was very gracious" include "she was extremely kind", "she was quite generous", or "she showed great grace". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "she was very gracious"?

Yes, "she was very gracious" is grammatically correct. The sentence follows standard English sentence structure with a subject (she), a linking verb (was), an adverb (very), and an adjective (gracious).

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "she was very gracious"?

It's appropriate to use "she was very gracious" when describing someone's polite, kind, and considerate behavior, especially in circumstances where they might have been expected to react negatively or defensively. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.