was willing to

USAGE SUMMARY

"was willing to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a particular person's attitude or willingness to do something. For example, "John was willing to help with the project even though he was busy with his own work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He was willing to fight".

The New Yorker

Everybody was willing to pay.

The New York Times

I was willing to die.

The New Yorker

"I was willing to take the chance".

The New York Times

Mahmoud Karzai, though, was willing to talk.

The New Yorker

But he was willing to joke around.

The New York Times

Still, he was willing to recant.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

— are willing to accept.

The New York Times

I'm willing to change.

The New Yorker

He's willing to listen".

The New York Times

Being willing to learn matters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was willing to" to clearly express someone's readiness to undertake a specific action, especially when highlighting their positive attitude or cooperation.

Common error

While useful, overuse of "was willing to" can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "was prepared to" or "was ready to" for a more engaging and nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was willing to" functions as a verb phrase expressing a past state of readiness, agreement, or inclination towards a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely usable. The examples show that it's used to describe past attitudes and decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was willing to" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express past readiness or agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to consider synonyms like "was prepared to" or "was ready to" to avoid repetition and add nuance. Remember to use it accurately to reflect the level of enthusiasm intended, distinguishing it from phrases that imply eagerness or obligation. Its neutral register and broad applicability make it a valuable tool in clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was prepared to

Emphasizes readiness and preparedness for a specific action or event.

was disposed to

Suggests a natural inclination or tendency towards a particular action or belief.

was inclined to

Indicates a leaning or preference towards a certain course of action, often with a sense of hesitation.

was ready to

Focuses on the state of being completely equipped and available to proceed.

showed a willingness to

Highlights the demonstration of a positive attitude or intent, rather than the action itself.

evinced a readiness to

Formally expresses the demonstration of a preparedness to act.

felt compelled to

Conveys a sense of obligation or internal pressure to take action.

took the initiative to

Emphasizes the proactive and self-starting nature of the action.

had no objection to

Indicates acceptance or agreement without necessarily implying enthusiasm.

saw fit to

Implies a decision made based on one's own judgment or discretion.

FAQs

How can I use "was willing to" in a sentence?

You can use "was willing to" to describe someone's positive attitude or readiness to do something. For instance, "She was willing to help even though she was busy."

What's a more formal alternative to "was willing to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "was inclined to" or "evinced a readiness to". These options provide a more sophisticated way to express willingness.

Is there a difference between "was willing to" and "was eager to"?

"Was willing to" indicates a general agreement or acceptance, while "was eager to" implies enthusiasm and strong desire to do something. The choice depends on the level of enthusiasm you want to convey.

Can "was willing to" be used in negative sentences?

Yes, "was willing to" can be used in negative sentences to indicate a lack of readiness or agreement. For example, "He wasn't willing to compromise on his principles."