a courtesy title

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a courtesy title" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a title that is given as a mark of respect or politeness, rather than one that indicates a specific rank or position. Example: "In many cultures, 'Mr.' and 'Ms.' are considered courtesy titles used before a person's last name."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"Leader of the Labour party" was a courtesy title given to the leader of the PLP.

The Guardian

As a supreme court judge, Sumption was given a courtesy title of lord.

The Guardian

Davies is an executive producer on the US show but said it was more of a courtesy title.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

No trains went there – Maycomb Junction, a courtesy title, was located in Abbott County, twenty miles away.

The Guardian - Books

There are other pressures, too, coming from a society that holds engineers in such high esteem that the profession is also a courtesy title, like doctor.

The New York Times

A retired colonel explains to the Fox affiliate in Tampa that an honorary consul is a courtesy title with no official benefits, like an honorary doctorate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The film shows Lung Neaw (Lung is a Thai courtesy title meaning Uncle) going about his daily rituals as he goes to market, hunts, visits a forest to pick herbs for cooking, bathes in a river, prays, chops wood and takes a long walk during which the nearly stationary camera observes him from afar for several minutes as he recedes into the distance.

The New York Times

"Aceh Green is the articulation of a vision that Pak Irwandi has had for a long time," said Lilianne Fan, a former aid worker who is now serving as an adviser to the governor on Aceh Green, using an Indonesian courtesy title before the governor's name.

The New York Times

But, according to the stylebook, "The Times Magazine and the Book Review, edited in the more literary style of a weekend periodical, omit all courtesy titles".

The New York Times - Magazine

And "major party" was a kind of courtesy title for the Lib Dems anyway.

BBC

Jones, who is 19, said.... " In that article, the reader knows that a woman was appointed and needs no courtesy title in front of the second reference unless interested in the commandant's marital status, which the reader knows is none of his or her business, and do you have a problem with that?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, clearly define what makes the title "a courtesy title" if the context isn't immediately obvious. Mention the lack of official power or responsibility implied.

Common error

Don't assume all readers understand which titles are merely "courtesy titles". Briefly explain the nature of the title to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a courtesy title" functions as a noun phrase identifying a specific kind of title. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase denotes a title given as a mark of respect or politeness, rather than one that indicates a specific rank or position, as illustrated in several examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a courtesy title" is a noun phrase used to describe a title conferred out of respect or tradition rather than formal requirement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the title to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "an honorific title" or "a title of respect" can also be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an honorific title

Emphasizes the respect and honor associated with the title.

a title of respect

Directly highlights the respectful nature of the title.

a titular honor

Focuses on the title as a symbolic honor.

a form of address

Highlights the practical use of the title in communication.

a polite designation

Emphasizes the politeness and formality of the title.

a ceremonial title

Highlights the ceremonial or traditional aspect of the title.

an unofficial title

Focuses on the title's lack of formal or official status.

a social title

Highlights the social context and significance of the title.

a traditional form of address

Emphasizes the historical and customary use of the title.

a symbolic title

Focuses on the symbolic meaning and representation of the title.

FAQs

What is the purpose of "a courtesy title"?

The purpose of "a courtesy title" is to show respect or politeness to an individual, often without implying any specific rank or official duty. It is frequently rooted in tradition or social convention.

How do you use "a courtesy title" in a sentence?

You can use "a courtesy title" to describe a title given out of politeness, as in: "The title of 'Colonel' was bestowed upon him as "a courtesy title", despite his lack of military experience."

What are some examples of "courtesy titles"?

Examples of "courtesy titles" include 'Mr.', 'Mrs.', 'Ms.', 'Dr.' (for someone without a doctorate), or titles like 'Lord' or 'Lady' used by children of peers.

What can I say instead of "a courtesy title"?

You can use alternatives like "an honorific title", "a title of respect", or "a polite designation" depending on the specific context.