was very understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was very understanding' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's attitude or behavior in any situation. For example, 'My boss was very understanding when I asked for more time to complete my project.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

This time Raif's reaction was very understanding.

The Guardian

He said: "When I spoke to President Obama on Friday night he was very understanding.

The Guardian

"Finally, the salesman had to clue in his boss, who was very understanding.

The New York Times

He spoke to the Marine captain privately, he added, and he was very understanding.

The New York Times

Went to bathroom and cried into fins, but no one saw except Jeremy, who was very understanding.

The New Yorker

I don't know if I'm spelling it correctly". The chef was very understanding in explaining what a sommelier is.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

She's very understanding.

The New York Times

Chanelle is very understanding.

The Guardian - Sport

"They are very understanding about that.

Independent

The neighbours are very understanding.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At Coexist we are very understanding.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction to sensitive news, using "was very understanding" can soften the impact and convey empathy. For example, "When I told her about the job loss, she was very understanding."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "was very understanding" to describe empathy. Vary your language with phrases like "showed great understanding" or "was incredibly empathetic" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was very understanding" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a quality of empathy and comprehension to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was very understanding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict someone's empathetic and receptive nature in various scenarios. As Ludwig AI points out, its correctness and usability are well-established. The analysis shows its prevalence in news articles, business communication, and scientific discussions, indicating broad applicability. To enhance your writing, remember to vary the expression with synonyms like "showed great understanding" and "was incredibly empathetic" to avoid repetition. By keeping these suggestions in mind, you'll effectively use this phrase to add depth and clarity to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showed great understanding

Emphasizes the action of displaying understanding rather than simply possessing it.

was incredibly empathetic

Focuses on the emotional aspect of understanding and sharing another's feelings.

displayed a lot of compassion

Highlights the sympathetic concern and desire to alleviate another's suffering.

was remarkably considerate

Stresses the careful thought and attention given to another's needs or feelings.

handled it with grace

Indicates a smooth and elegant way of managing a difficult situation with understanding.

demonstrated profound comprehension

Highlights a deep and thorough understanding of a complex situation.

responded with great sensitivity

Emphasizes the delicate and perceptive manner in which someone reacted.

was exceptionally perceptive

Focuses on the ability to understand or notice things quickly and accurately.

took a lenient approach

Highlights the act of not applying strict rules or punishments because of understanding circumstances.

exhibited considerable tolerance

Indicates a willingness to accept different behaviors and beliefs with understanding.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "was very understanding"?

It means they showed empathy and comprehension, especially in a difficult situation. They likely listened without judgment and offered support.

What can I say instead of "was very understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "showed great understanding", "was incredibly empathetic", or "displayed a lot of compassion" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Understanding" is an adjective, and "very" is an adverb modifying the adjective. The verb "was" links the subject to this descriptive phrase.

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

You can use it to describe someone's reaction to news or a situation. For example, "My teacher was very understanding when I explained why I missed the deadline."