a courteous man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a courteous man" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a man who is polite and considerate in his behavior towards others. Example: "In a world where rudeness is common, he stands out as a courteous man who always treats everyone with respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A courteous man in his early forties, Sangaré insisted that people felt safer since his forces had arrived, and pointed out that the schools had reopened.

The New Yorker

A courteous man who seldom forgets a name, Mr Davis has always been hard to dislike something that may unnerve Mr Bush.

The Economist

He is a courteous man with a dry sense of humor who chats armchair to armchair in an office filled with antiques and plays his wealth nonchalantly.

The New York Times

I found my way to Bennett, a courteous man with a soulful gaze and a precise way of speaking that reflects his long career in academia, first as a college English professor, then as a dean.

The New York Times

In the most refined of all possible worlds, a courteous man would "play the harpsichord, be good with small children, know how to fence and fix a light switch," said Ms. Fine, the A&E executive.

The New York Times - Style

I walked up to him and said, 'Mr Philby?' " Sayle found the traitor a "courteous" man with an "iron head" for drink, who appeared to be enjoying his new life and who denied treachery: "To betray, you must first belong," Philby told him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

John was a modest, courteous man with a quiet sense of humour.

The Guardian

"We are struggling to comprehend what has happened, but we are touched and moved by your kind words, acts and the knowledge that so many people saw John for who he was: a kind, courteous man who was much loved as a son, brother, uncle and fan".

BBC

Mr Alder's family said in a statement: "We we are touched and moved by your kind words, acts and the knowledge that so many people saw John for who he was: a kind, courteous man who was much loved as a son, brother, uncle and fan.

BBC

Mr. Pinchbeck was a tall, courteous man who sprinkled his writings on painting with quotes from Jacques Derrida and Stephen Hawking.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Campbell was widely known as a kind, courteous man [5].

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a courteous man", provide specific examples of his behavior to illustrate his politeness and consideration. For example, mention instances where he showed respect, offered assistance, or demonstrated good etiquette.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "a courteous man" without providing context. The phrase is more impactful when supported by anecdotes or specific actions that demonstrate his courteous nature. Without context, it can sound generic and lack depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a courteous man" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It's used to characterize a male individual, emphasizing his politeness and respectful behavior. Ludwig shows many examples from news media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a courteous man" is a descriptive phrase used to portray someone as polite and respectful. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and is frequently seen in news and media. When employing this phrase, consider giving specific examples of the man's behavior, avoiding overused and empty statements. For alternative phrasing, "a polite gentleman" or "a well-mannered man" can be employed to convey the same message with slight nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a polite gentleman

Replaces "courteous" with "polite" and "man" with "gentleman", maintaining a similar level of formality.

a respectful man

Emphasizes the man's consideration and esteem for others.

a well-mannered man

Focuses on the man's good manners, highlighting his adherence to social etiquette.

a considerate man

Highlights the man's thoughtfulness and concern for the feelings of others.

a gracious man

Emphasizes the man's kindness and elegance in his interactions.

a mannerly man

Similar to "well-mannered", emphasizing good etiquette and deportment.

a refined gentleman

Highlights the man's sophistication and good taste.

a civil man

Focuses on the man's adherence to societal norms and respectful behavior.

an obliging man

Highlights the man's willingness to help and be of service.

a debonair man

Highlights the man's charm, confidence, and stylishness in addition to his good manners.

FAQs

How can I use "a courteous man" in a sentence?

You can use "a courteous man" to describe someone who is polite and respectful in their interactions. For example: "Despite the stressful situation, he remained "a courteous man", treating everyone with kindness and consideration."

What are some alternatives to "a courteous man"?

Some alternatives include "a polite gentleman", "a well-mannered man", or "a gracious man". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a courteous and polite man"?

Yes, saying "a courteous and polite man" can be somewhat redundant as "courteous" and "polite" have very similar meanings. It's best to choose one or the other, or use synonyms that offer slightly different shades of meaning.

What's the difference between a "courteous man" and a "kind man"?

While both terms describe positive qualities, "courteous" emphasizes politeness and adherence to social norms, whereas "kind" focuses on empathy and genuine concern for others. A "courteous man" might hold the door open, while a "kind man" might offer emotional support.