were thoughtful enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were thoughtful enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone showed consideration or kindness in a particular situation. Example: "They were thoughtful enough to bring snacks for everyone during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He's the man you frisked with a smile while in Camden in 1996 with state troopers, who were thoughtful enough to snap a picture.

The New York Times

Sprint launched a handful of new phones today at CTIA, and they were thoughtful enough to make a summary page including all of the phones and devices in one spot with specs, press releases, images, and fact sheets.

TechCrunch

The Three Wise Men were thoughtful enough to give me presents.

Huffington Post

If your hosts were thoughtful enough to have prepared special accommodations for you, (e.g. providing toys for your kids) make sure that you return the toys as they were lent to you (parts intact, in the correct boxes, etc).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He had been thoughtful enough to wait until a new Democratic President was in office.

The New Yorker

In a fight, Smith & Butler would wallop Epaulet, but be thoughtful enough to not bruise the face.

The New York Times

"The soldiers had been thoughtful enough to turn the table top upside down to avoid damaging it.

The Guardian - Arts

If the Jets are thoughtful enough to provide Tebow with mentoring, this minimal investment could turn out to be a big score.

The New York Times - Sports

"She was thoughtful enough to leave well enough alone," Mr. Ford said in a telephone interview from Maine, where he is completing his next book.

The New York Times - Arts

It's what being kept in a Matrix-style amniotic battery pod would be like if the robots had been thoughtful enough to provide onesies and Matchmakers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps Satrapi would be thoughtful enough to leave her cancerous lungs to medical science, to be displayed as a pathetic example to those willing to choose life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were thoughtful enough" to highlight a specific act of kindness or consideration that exceeded expectations. It often implies gratitude or appreciation.

Common error

Avoid using "were thoughtful enough" when a simpler expression of gratitude would suffice. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact; reserve it for actions that truly demonstrate notable consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were thoughtful enough" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, expressing that the subject possessed sufficient consideration or foresight to perform a specific action. It often implies a positive evaluation of that action, as suggested by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were thoughtful enough" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey gratitude or acknowledgment for a considerate action. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that someone displayed enough consideration or foresight to do something beneficial or kind. While suitable for various contexts, including news, media, and professional settings, it is essential to use it judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "were considerate enough" or "were kind enough" can provide nuanced expressions of appreciation, depending on the specific context. Remember to reserve "were thoughtful enough" for situations where the thoughtfulness is genuinely noteworthy to maximize its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were considerate enough

Emphasizes consideration as the primary attribute, rather than thoughtfulness.

were kind enough

Highlights the kindness aspect of the action, focusing on generosity.

were gracious enough

Suggests a level of politeness and elegance in their thoughtfulness.

were generous enough

Focuses on the act of giving or providing something in a thoughtful manner.

were decent enough

Indicates a basic level of respect and consideration.

were good enough to

Highlights the positive aspect of their action, focusing on its benefit.

thoughtfully took the time to

Emphasizes the time and effort invested in the thoughtful action.

were so thoughtful as to

Adds a touch of formality and emphasizes the high degree of thoughtfulness.

acted with the foresight to

Highlights the anticipatory nature of the thoughtful action.

displayed the presence of mind to

Focuses on the quick thinking and awareness involved in the thoughtful act.

FAQs

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

Use "were thoughtful enough" to express appreciation for a considerate action, as in, "They "were thoughtful enough" to bring a gift".

What is a more formal way to say "were thoughtful enough"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "were considerate enough" or "showed the foresight to".

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

"Were thoughtful enough" emphasizes consideration and planning, while "were kind enough" focuses on the generosity and benevolence of the action.

Is it appropriate to use "were thoughtful enough" in professional writing?

Yes, "were thoughtful enough" is suitable for professional writing when expressing gratitude or acknowledging considerate behavior. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of the document.