were kind enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"were kind enough" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone is expressing gratitude for someone else's kindness or generosity. For example: "My colleagues were kind enough to help me troubleshoot the computer issue I was having."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The others were kind enough to speak in English.

The Guardian

"They were kind enough to sew up a few pieces for me," Ms. Shabayeva said.

The New York Times

The panel were kind enough not to tell him that Williams is not a rapper.

Independent

A lot of people were kind enough afterward to tell me that I won.

The New Yorker

You were kind enough to say that I might let you know if matters progress.

The Guardian

Many were kind enough to say I had handled this competently.

The Guardian

The attackers were kind enough to leave a bonanza of clues..

The Guardian

Indeed, the powers that already decided were kind enough to eventually let the tournament officials know of the historic grouping.

Independent

They hired me and were kind enough to hold the position for me while I was on maternity leave.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Would I be kind enough to explain it?

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were kind enough" to express sincere gratitude for a specific act of generosity or help.

Common error

Avoid using "were kind enough" sarcastically or in situations where you are implying someone should have done more. This can come across as passive-aggressive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were kind enough" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a subject (usually a person or group of people), expressing gratitude or appreciation for their actions. Ludwig examples show it's used to acknowledge someone's helpfulness or generosity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were kind enough" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express gratitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys appreciation for someone's helpful actions. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science. While versatile, it’s important to use it sincerely and avoid sarcastic or demanding contexts. Alternatives like "were gracious enough" or "were generous enough" can offer nuanced expressions of thankfulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were so kind as to

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing gratitude.

were gracious enough

Emphasizes the politeness and courtesy of the action.

were generous enough

Highlights the magnanimity or selflessness involved.

were thoughtful enough

Focuses on the consideration and care behind the action.

were good enough to

A more general expression of someone doing something helpful.

were helpful enough to

Directly emphasizes the helpfulness of the action.

were obliging enough

Suggests a willingness to accommodate a request.

were nice enough to

A more informal way of saying someone did something helpful.

displayed the kindness to

More formal and emphasizes the act of showing kindness.

took the trouble to

Emphasizes the effort someone put into doing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "were kind enough" to express gratitude, such as: "They "were kind enough" to offer me a ride home."

What are some alternatives to "were kind enough"?

Some alternatives include "were gracious enough", "were generous enough", or "were helpful enough", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "were kind enough" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when expressing sincere appreciation. However, in highly formal contexts, consider using "were so kind as to" for added emphasis.

What's the difference between "were kind enough" and "were nice enough"?

"Were nice enough" is more informal. "Were kind enough" is suitable for both formal and informal situations, suggesting a deeper level of gratitude beyond mere niceness.