was polite enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was polite enough' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are writing about a person who acted in a polite manner. For example: All of the guests at the party commented on how kind the host was, and he was polite enough to greet everyone with a warm smile.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But he was polite enough to say hello.

Independent

He was polite enough but it was obvious he wasn't impressed.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was polite enough to leave rehearsal early to drive a visitor to the train station, but quietly distressed about missing even a few minutes.

The New York Times

Where's the leader?" But once the Americans had put down their weapons and body armour, the exchange that followed was polite enough.

The Guardian

The dark-haired woman at the reception desk was polite enough to address us in French but spoke enough English to rescue us when our own French faltered.

The New York Times - Travel

Another actor gagged, "but was polite enough not to spit up anything until we finished the take, although it would have been nice to have filmed it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's polite enough.

The Guardian

Athletes and coaches were polite enough but not very forthcoming about the various drug theories.

The New York Times - Sports

As a mother, I have spent a lot of time worrying about whether my children are polite enough.

The Washington Post

"I can't think of one who fits the criteria of being polite enough to meet with the pope".

The New York Times

The Chinese were polite enough, if less so at the Copenhagen climate talks a month later, but they're not buying this touchy-feely interconnection thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was polite enough" to express that someone acted with a reasonable level of courtesy, even if other aspects of the situation were less than ideal. It acknowledges a baseline level of politeness.

Common error

Avoid using "was polite enough" when describing acts that are exceptionally kind or generous. Reserve it for situations where the politeness displayed is expected or minimal, not exceeding ordinary courtesy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was polite enough" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a subject, indicating the degree to which someone displayed politeness. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was polite enough" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a baseline level of courtesy displayed by someone. Ludwig AI shows that it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. When writing, consider if the degree of politeness warrants a stronger adjective, such as "courteous" or "gracious", or if the situation calls for emphasizing the minimum level of politeness achieved. Avoid using it when describing exceptional acts of kindness, and be mindful of potential negative connotations if the politeness seems insincere. Remember to use it to show that somebody did the bare minimum of politeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was courteous enough

Emphasizes a higher degree of formal politeness or respect.

was considerate enough

Focuses on thoughtfulness and concern for others' feelings.

was gracious enough

Highlights elegance and kindness in behavior.

was kind enough

A more general expression of kindness or helpfulness.

was decent enough

Suggests meeting a basic standard of acceptable behavior.

was good enough to

Implies a willingness to perform a particular action.

took the time to

Highlights the act of dedicating time to something, implying effort.

bothered to

Suggests a willingness to overcome inconvenience or difficulty.

condescended to

Carries a negative connotation, implying a lowering of oneself.

deigned to

Similar to "condescended to" but more formal and often sarcastic.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was polite enough" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "was courteous enough" or "was gracious enough". These options convey a higher degree of respect and formality.

When is it appropriate to use "was polite enough"?

Use "was polite enough" when you want to indicate that someone met a basic standard of politeness, even if they didn't go above and beyond. It acknowledges a minimum level of courtesy in a given situation.

What is the difference between "was polite enough" and "was just polite"?

"Was polite enough" suggests a baseline of politeness was met, implying it might have been the bare minimum. "Was just polite", on the other hand, simply states that the person was polite, without necessarily implying a minimum standard.

Can "was polite enough" ever have a negative connotation?

Yes, depending on the context, "was polite enough" can imply that the person's politeness was superficial or insincere, especially if their actions contradicted their words. It can also suggest that more genuine kindness was expected.