was begrudgingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was begrudgingly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action done with reluctance or unwillingness, often implying that the subject did not want to do it but felt compelled to do so. Example: "She was begrudgingly accepted into the group after much debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He begged for twelve pages and was begrudgingly granted eight.

The New Yorker

When it became clear that I would not leave my typewriter long enough to throw in the towel, a refund check was begrudgingly issued (sans apology), and my fellow travelers and I blew it on a triumphal dinner.

The New York Times

The removal of the page, which according to Klayman was "begrudgingly" ordered after increased pressure was exerted by himself, the Israeli government and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League, did not stop him from filing suit against the company.

TechCrunch

Seth Meyers was begrudgingly prepared to offer a fresh start to president-elect Donald Trump.

Huffington Post

The album was begrudgingly released by Yankovic, who felt that the compilation was unnecessary and merely a way for his record label to make money.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

To be begrudgingly fair, there are a handful of songs that phase in and out of quality.

Independent

"Finally, the Administration is begrudgingly trying to take some international steps, and it's probably too little too late".

The New Yorker

To portray the measure as something that is begrudgingly half-hearted in reaching out to a minority "won't do".

The Guardian

Marc Riley took us back to 1997: "Headlining the festival was an honour even the Shirehorses were begrudgingly happy to accept".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The courts are begrudgingly helping to ensure that the sun is slowly setting on GCHQ's wild west ways.

The Guardian

Even the Police Department's practice of stationing detectives outside the United States has been begrudgingly accepted by the bureau.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was begrudgingly" to clearly convey reluctance or unwillingness when describing an action or decision. This adds nuance and provides insight into the actor's state of mind.

Common error

Avoid using "was begrudgingly" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral tone is preferred. Opt for alternatives like "reluctantly" or "unwillingly" to maintain a more objective voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was begrudgingly" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action was performed. This implies a sense of reluctance, envy, or unwillingness. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

20%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was begrudgingly" is used to describe an action performed with reluctance or unwillingness. As per Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and best suited for neutral writing contexts like news articles and general interest pieces, but it's less common in formal academic papers. Alternative phrasing includes ""was reluctantly"" or ""was unwillingly"". Ludwig's examples reveal that the phrase often adds an emotional layer to the description of an event or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was reluctantly

Emphasizes the unwillingness to do something.

was unwillingly

Highlights the lack of willingness in performing the action.

was forced to

Focuses on the compulsion or obligation to act.

was compelled to

Similar to 'forced to', indicating a strong internal or external pressure.

was under duress to

Implies the action was performed under threat or coercion.

yielded with reluctance

Highlights the act of giving in despite initial resistance.

acquiesced grudgingly

Similar to 'begrudgingly', but using a different verb.

gave in reluctantly

Focuses on the eventual submission to a demand or situation.

accepted with reservation

Indicates acceptance with underlying doubts or concerns.

consented unwillingly

Emphasizes the lack of genuine agreement or enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "was begrudgingly" in a sentence?

You can use "was begrudgingly" to describe an action done with reluctance. For example, "The promotion was begrudgingly given after years of service."

What are some alternatives to "was begrudgingly"?

Alternatives include "was reluctantly", "was unwillingly", or "was forced to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "was begrudgingly" or "reluctantly"?

"Was begrudgingly" and "reluctantly" are similar, but "was begrudgingly" often implies a greater sense of resentment or envy than "reluctantly" does.

In what contexts is "was begrudgingly" most appropriate?

The phrase "was begrudgingly" is often used in news articles, blogs, and less formal writing contexts where conveying emotion or sentiment is desired. It's less common in formal academic or scientific writing.