was kind enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was kind enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express gratitude or appreciation for someone's generosity or helpfulness in a particular situation. Example: "She was kind enough to help me with my project when I was struggling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The vendor was kind enough to lend me a rug.

The New York Times

I built the entire hull there; the super was kind enough to look the other way.

The New Yorker

She was kind enough to come up with some mitigating circumstances.

The New Yorker

If he noticed my awe he was kind enough to camouflage it.

The Economist

My brother was kind enough to put them up on his walls in his apartment.

The New Yorker

During Mr. Stafford's lunch breaks, Mr. Glover was kind enough to give him lessons.

The New York Times

Mr. Kelly's office was kind enough to provide a copy of the recipe to City Room.

The New York Times

He was kind enough to let Numberplay use the problems given below.

The New York Times

"I was thrilled that he was kind enough to give me the ball," Adams said.

The New York Times - Sports

When I emailed them Joan was kind enough to write back at length.

The Guardian - Music

And he was kind enough not to call them on it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was kind enough" to express gratitude when someone has done something helpful or generous for you. It clearly conveys appreciation for their actions.

Common error

Avoid using "was kind enough" sarcastically or in contexts where you're implying someone should have done something as an obligation. This can come across as passive-aggressive. Instead, reserve it for genuine expressions of gratitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was kind enough" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, followed by an infinitive. It describes a quality of the subject (kindness) that led to a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was kind enough" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to express appreciation for someone's considerate actions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, particularly within News & Media contexts. While alternatives like "was generous enough" or "was gracious enough" offer similar meanings, it's important to use "was kind enough" genuinely and avoid sarcastic applications. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively communicate gratitude and foster positive interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was gracious enough

Replaces "kind" with "gracious", emphasizing courteousness and refinement.

was generous enough

Replaces "kind" with "generous", highlighting the act of giving or sharing.

was good enough to

Uses "good" instead of "kind", conveying a sense of benevolence or favor.

was thoughtful enough

Emphasizes the considerate nature of the action, focusing on the person's mindfulness.

was obliging enough

Highlights the person's willingness to comply or accommodate a request.

was so kind as to

A more formal phrasing that emphasizes the exceptional nature of the kindness.

did me the kindness of

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the act of kindness itself.

took the trouble to

Focuses on the effort exerted by the person being kind.

went out of their way to

Emphasizes the extra effort made by the person to help or be kind.

was benevolent enough to

Uses "benevolent", suggesting a more formal and elevated tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "was kind enough" to express appreciation when someone did something helpful or generous. For example, "She "was kind enough" to offer me a ride home."

What are some alternatives to "was kind enough"?

You can use alternatives like "was generous enough", "was gracious enough", or "was good enough to" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "was kind enough" in formal writing?

Yes, "was kind enough" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "was so kind as to" or "did me the kindness of".

Can "was kind enough" be used sarcastically?

While technically possible, using "was kind enough" sarcastically can easily be misinterpreted, particularly in written communication. It's best to avoid using it sarcastically to prevent misunderstandings.