was generous enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was generous enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a person or situation in which someone is giving more than what is typically expected. For example: He was so kind to me that he was generous enough to buy me dinner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But Van Ronk was generous enough to order another.

The New Yorker

Their resulting offer was generous enough that they figured a deal was in the offing.

The New York Times

In the end, the applause from the Glamorgan crowd was generous enough.

Independent

As an official explains, the Japanese government was generous enough to pay for it.

The Economist

I was generous enough to buy it but not generous enough to forgo mentioning the cost.

The Guardian - Music

This was generous enough for a banal picture that looks like an enlarged picture postcard handled in the Pointillist style.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Each is generous enough to serve two: (212 265-4000.

The New York Times

Perhaps now people will be generous enough to give him that fresh start.

Independent

Not everyone is generous enough to leave 20 percent, which is why the restaurants insist on it.

The New York Times

But the fear is that the contributions of neither will be generous enough.

The Economist

Jocelyne's cheese plate is generous enough to be shared by four diners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was generous enough", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific act of generosity is being referenced. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was generous enough" excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "demonstrated magnanimity" or "exhibited benevolence" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was generous enough" functions as an adjective phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that someone exhibited generosity by performing a specific action. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use in various contexts, often highlighting acts of kindness or willingness to share.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was generous enough" is a common and grammatically correct way to express gratitude or acknowledge someone's act of generosity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal synonyms might be preferred in highly professional settings. Remember to clearly specify the act of generosity to avoid ambiguity and consider alternative phrases, such as "was kind enough" or "was gracious enough", to add nuance to your writing. The examples provided by Ludwig offer valuable insights into its practical application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was kind enough

Emphasizes the kindness aspect of the action.

was gracious enough

Highlights the politeness and courtesy involved.

was good enough to

Focuses on the positive nature of the action performed.

was benevolent enough

Stresses the charitable and well-meaning aspect.

was ample enough

Indicates sufficiency or abundance in a given context.

was lenient enough

Suggests a degree of forgiveness or tolerance.

was charitable enough

Highlights the act of giving or donating.

was liberal enough

Emphasizes the open-handed or unrestricted nature of the action.

was willing enough

Focuses on the readiness and willingness to perform an action.

was big-hearted enough

Indicates a generous and compassionate nature.

FAQs

How can I use "was generous enough" in a sentence?

You can use "was generous enough" to describe someone's act of kindness or willingness to give more than expected. For example, "He "was generous enough" to donate a large sum to the charity".

What are some alternatives to "was generous enough"?

Some alternatives include "was kind enough", "was gracious enough", or "was good enough to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was generous enough" formal or informal?

"Was generous enough" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might prefer more sophisticated alternatives.

What's the difference between "was generous enough" and "was kind enough"?

While both phrases denote positive qualities, "was generous enough" specifically implies a willingness to give or share, often involving resources or possessions. "Was kind enough", on the other hand, refers to general acts of kindness and consideration.