Kindly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Kindly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a polite way to request something or to ask someone to do something. Example: "Kindly send me the report by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She gave few details about how she ended up leaving Mexico with the girl, although she said she knows many would not look kindly on her actions.

The Guardian

As I once so kindly tried to reassure my panda: everything's going to be all right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Charles Kennedy (Former leader of Liberal Democrats dies aged 55, theguardian.com, 2 June) was a rarity in public life: a thoroughly decent man who was honest enough to admit his failings and who was not treated kindly for doing so.

The Guardian

Leaders there would not take kindly to British demands.

The Guardian

While Campbell's redoubtable wife Elspeth has a taste for demotic television - she famously completed a dissertation on the matriarchs of Coronation Street -she does not seem the type to take kindly to fish and chips in her hotel bedroom.

The Guardian

To put it kindly, you can say her fans resemble the star-struck kids in old films of the Beatles.

The Guardian - Arts

On the menu will be two elephants, two buffaloes, two sable antelopes, five impalas and a lion kindly donated by a local farmer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not that his remarks will be kindly interpreted in the morning papers.

The Guardian

He said: "You kindly suggested that it would be helpful if I put them in writing – despite the Freedom of Information Act".

The Guardian

"They kindly asked us to do a homage to 50 years of BBC2.

The Guardian

There's no "deep down", there's no "at heart" – rather, if you act mean all the time, then you are mean; and if you act kindly, you are kind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Kindly" to add a touch of formality and politeness to your requests, especially in written communication or when addressing someone you don't know well. It conveys respect and consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "Kindly" excessively in casual conversations or informal emails. It can sound overly formal or even sarcastic if the context doesn't warrant such politeness. Opt for "Please" or a more relaxed phrasing instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "Kindly" primarily functions as an adverb, modifying verbs to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It can also function as an adjective, describing someone as having a kind nature. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to add a polite tone to requests or descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Kindly" functions primarily as an adverb or adjective to express politeness or describe a kind nature. Ludwig AI indicates that this word is grammatically correct and frequently used, appearing in contexts ranging from news and media to formal business communications. While versatile, "Kindly" is generally more formal than alternatives like "please". Overusing "Kindly" in informal settings can sound unnatural, so it's best reserved for situations where a degree of formality is appropriate. When writing, consider using "Kindly" to add a respectful tone to requests, especially in written communication or when addressing someone you don't know well. However, be mindful of the setting to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Please

A direct and common way to make a polite request.

Be so kind as to

A more formal and elaborate way of asking someone politely.

If you would be so kind

Expresses a polite request, acknowledging the other person's willingness.

Would you mind

A polite inquiry before asking someone to do something.

I would appreciate it if you could

A formal expression indicating gratitude for a requested action.

Do me a favor and

An informal phrase to preface a request.

I'd be grateful if you could

Expresses thankfulness in advance for the action requested.

Could you possibly

Adds a layer of politeness to a request.

If it isn't too much trouble

Acknowledges potential inconvenience while making a request.

I request that you

A formal way to issue a request.

FAQs

How can I use "Kindly" in a sentence?

You can use "Kindly" as an adverb to politely request something, such as "Kindly submit your report by Friday". It can also be used as an adjective, meaning having a kind disposition.

What are some alternatives to using "Kindly"?

Alternatives to "Kindly" include "please", "be so kind as to", or "would you mind", depending on the context and level of formality you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "Kindly"?

"Kindly" is appropriate in formal communications, polite requests, or when addressing someone you don't know well. It adds a touch of formality and respect.

Is "Kindly" more formal than "Please"?

Yes, "Kindly" is generally considered more formal than "please". While both convey politeness, "Kindly" is often used in more official or written contexts.