very indulgent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very indulgent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is excessively lenient or generous, often in the context of allowing someone to have what they want or to behave as they please. Example: "The grandparents were very indulgent, always giving their grandchildren treats and letting them stay up late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"They were very indulgent with the kids," he recalled.

The New York Times

These are so easy to make and so very indulgent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Burrata Had some of this mozzarella and cream mixture on a very indulgent recent Tuscan jaunt.

Independent

Drugs, prisons, and, of course, very pleasurable, very indulgent research into soul music.

The New Yorker

"The English are very indulgent to episodes of alcoholic insanity," he says.

The New York Times - Books

"I imagine I'd like it to be about 30 songs long and be very indulgent.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"I'm here to protest at the very rich, indulgent Western governments," said Catherine Earnshaw, 26, dressed in a rich, indulgent lace wedding dress as the May Queen.

Forbes

It's the latest, very self-indulgent offering from the Frat Pack generation of American comics.

The Guardian

Anyway, it's all very self-indulgent, in the most negative of ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a very self indulgent but I really enjoyed this reunion of meeting again all the people who've survived from that long time ago.

Cornell University

I loved writing, but I also grew up at a place and time where being an artist would have seemed very self-indulgent".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very indulgent", consider the context and ensure that the level of indulgence is appropriate. Overuse can imply a negative connotation of being overly permissive or wasteful.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid relying heavily on "very indulgent". Opt for more precise and nuanced vocabulary to convey the specific type and degree of indulgence, such as "exceptionally generous" or "remarkably lenient".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very indulgent" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a high degree of leniency, permissiveness, or luxuriousness. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing both people and experiences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very indulgent" functions as an adjective phrase that conveys a high degree of leniency, permissiveness, or luxury. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile enough for use in various contexts, though it appears more frequently in News & Media and Academia. While it can be used in formal settings, writers should consider more precise alternatives to avoid overusing "very" and ensure the tone aligns with the intended message. Overall, "very indulgent" is a useful phrase for expressing a notable level of gratification, though careful consideration of context and potential alternatives can enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely lenient

Highlights the mildness of discipline or rules.

highly permissive

Focuses on the aspect of allowing behavior without strict rules.

overly generous

Emphasizes the act of giving more than necessary or expected.

excessively accommodating

Stresses the willingness to please others to an extreme degree.

particularly pampering

Highlights the act of treating someone with excessive care and attention.

unusually lavish

Shifts the focus to extravagance and luxury.

remarkably easygoing

Emphasizes a relaxed and tolerant attitude.

exceptionally tolerant

Stresses the acceptance of diverse behaviors or opinions.

decidedly spoiling

Focuses on the negative aspect of over-indulgence leading to bad behavior.

quite unreasonable

Describes an excessive action without reasonable justification.

FAQs

How can I use "very indulgent" in a sentence?

You can use "very indulgent" to describe actions, people, or experiences. For example, "The spa treatment was "very indulgent"" or "The grandparents were "very indulgent" with their grandchildren".

What are some alternatives to "very indulgent"?

Alternatives include "highly permissive", "extremely lenient", "overly generous", or "unusually lavish", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "very indulgent" too informal for professional writing?

While "very indulgent" is generally acceptable, it may be perceived as less formal than alternatives like "exceptionally generous" or "remarkably lenient", especially in formal business contexts.

What's the difference between "very indulgent" and "self-indulgent"?

"Very indulgent" describes someone or something that allows or provides excessive gratification. "Self-indulgent", on the other hand, describes someone who is excessively absorbed in their own desires or feelings. For example, "The cake was "very indulgent"", while "His behavior was "self-indulgent"".