was very encouraging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was very encouraging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or feedback that provided support or motivation to someone. Example: "Her feedback on my project was very encouraging, making me feel more confident in my abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was very encouraging.

The New York Times

That was very encouraging".

The New York Times - Sports

She was very encouraging.

The Guardian - Music

But it was very encouraging.

The New York Times - Sports

One broker was very encouraging.

The New York Times

That was very encouraging for us.

The New York Times

Reading your comment was very encouraging.

Harvard University

"It was very encouraging to me".

The New York Times

Then my teacher was very encouraging.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Ambassador Hill was very encouraging," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"His first time out was very encouraging.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was very encouraging" to describe feedback, actions, or situations that provided tangible support and increased someone's confidence or motivation. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "was very encouraging" is a useful phrase, avoid relying on it excessively. Vary your language by using more descriptive alternatives like "was quite uplifting" or "was highly supportive" to add nuance and specificity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was very encouraging" functions as a descriptive expression, typically acting as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (was). It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a quality or characteristic that instilled support or confidence, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was very encouraging" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something supportive or confidence-boosting. It's versatile, fitting various contexts from news reports to academic discussions, as Ludwig's examples indicate. While the phrase is correct and broadly applicable, be mindful of overusing it; explore alternatives like "was highly supportive" or "was uplifting" to add nuance to your writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal communication, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was highly supportive

Focuses on the assistance and backing provided.

was quite uplifting

Emphasizes the positive emotional impact more directly.

lent considerable encouragement

Highlights the act of providing support and reassurance.

provided great motivation

Directly addresses the stimulation of drive and ambition.

was very heartening

Stresses the encouraging aspect as a source of emotional comfort.

instilled confidence

Highlights the effect of building assurance in someone.

offered significant inspiration

Indicates a source of creativity and impetus.

gave a boost of confidence

Suggests a more immediate and impactful increase in self-assurance.

proved to be a great incentive

Implies the encouragement acted as a stimulus for action.

fostered a positive outlook

Indicates that the encouragement helped cultivate an optimistic perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "was very encouraging" in a sentence?

Use "was very encouraging" to describe something that provided support or boosted confidence. For example, "Her feedback on my presentation "was very encouraging".".

What are some alternatives to "was very encouraging"?

Alternatives include "was quite uplifting", "was highly supportive", or "instilled confidence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was very encouraging"?

Yes, the phrase "was very encouraging" is grammatically correct and follows standard English usage. It's commonly used to describe something positive and supportive.

What's the difference between "was very encouraging" and "was encouraging"?

"Was very encouraging" implies a stronger degree of support or motivation than simply "was encouraging". The addition of "very" intensifies the positive impact.