Keep it civilized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Keep it civilized" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to maintain a respectful and polite tone during a discussion or argument. Example: "During the debate, let's keep it civilized and focus on the issues rather than personal attacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At least they're trying to keep it civilized".

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is the first time that graffiti is starting to get civilized, but you still got to keep it on the ground, otherwise it's not worth anything".

The New York Times - Arts

Keep it.

Forbes

However, keep the discussion civilized from both sides.

WikiHow

The existence of colonial slavery had significant impact on the debate, with some authors lending it civilizing merits and others denouncing its misdeeds.

Wikipedia

"It civilizes the place and adds vitality and liveliness".

The New York Times

"Real men" — a phrase that for Americans of a certain age will always be followed by "don't eat quiche" — seems to endorse, even as it civilizes it, the stereotype of a manly man.

Los Angeles Times

But even Mr. Clark, who calls block associations "the building blocks that keep civilized society working," acknowledges that they have been buffeted by new challenges in a growing economy.

The New York Times

Washington has kept its officials out of Kabul because it is too risky, but Kabul is civilized as war zones go.

The New York Times

I thought it had gone pretty well, I thought it was civilized, and the first headline I saw about it, later that night on the Web, in the Times, didn't make sense to me: "Clinton Uses Sharp Attacks in Tense Debate".

The New Yorker

It was wild, jackals howled at night, and now it was civilized.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Keep it civilized" to encourage respectful dialogue, especially in potentially heated discussions or debates. It sets a tone of mutual respect and encourages productive communication.

Common error

Avoid using "Keep it civilized" in very casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler phrases like "Let's be cool" or "Stay calm" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Keep it civilized" functions as an imperative, urging or advising individuals to maintain a respectful and orderly manner, particularly in discussions or interactions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it aims to promote a polite tone and focus on substantive issues.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Keep it civilized" is an imperative used to encourage respectful and orderly communication. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare but appropriate in contexts where maintaining decorum is important, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's best suited for neutral to semi-formal settings like meetings or public discussions. Alternatives include phrases like "Stay respectful" or "Maintain decorum". Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings where it can sound overly formal. Ludwig's analysis highlights its role in fostering constructive dialogue and preventing conflicts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stay respectful

Focuses on showing consideration and politeness.

Maintain decorum

Emphasizes formal and respectful behavior.

Remain polite

Stresses the need to maintain courteous language and conduct.

Behave appropriately

Highlights the importance of acting in a suitable manner.

Conduct yourselves with civility

Suggests a formal and dignified manner of interaction.

Keep the peace

Implies preventing conflicts and maintaining harmony.

Handle it maturely

Focuses on dealing with a situation in a responsible and grown-up way.

Let's be reasonable

Suggests approaching the situation with logic and fairness.

Act like adults

Emphasizes responsible and mature behavior.

Keep a lid on it

Suggests controlling emotions or preventing a situation from escalating.

FAQs

How can I use "Keep it civilized" in a sentence?

You can use "Keep it civilized" to urge people to maintain a respectful and polite tone, such as, "During the meeting, let's "keep it civilized" and focus on the key issues".

What are some alternatives to "Keep it civilized"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "stay respectful", "maintain decorum", or "behave appropriately".

When is it appropriate to use "Keep it civilized"?

"Keep it civilized" is appropriate in situations where you need to remind people to maintain a certain level of decorum and respect, especially during disagreements or debates. It sets an expectation for polite behavior.

Is "Keep it civilized" formal or informal?

"Keep it civilized" leans towards the formal side but is generally acceptable in neutral settings. In very informal settings, consider using a more casual alternative.