a gentleman to you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gentleman to you" is not standard and may be confusing in written English.
It could be used in a context where one is referring to treating someone with respect or courtesy, but it is not commonly used. Example: "I will always strive to be a gentleman to you, treating you with the utmost respect."

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He was not a gentleman to you, Nancy, I say.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Driven along by a cacophony of howls, trilling bells and a four-note guitar hook that reverberates around your head like metal on a filling, the chorus sings: "Some white men are black men too/ Nigger to them, a gentleman to you".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

You might be tempted to be a little lax on your instructions in the privacy of your own home, but if you expect him to be a gentleman to the outside world, you must first insist that he is a gentleman at home.

WikiHow

Be a gentleman to her in whatever way you know how.

WikiHow

Col. Carlton – a gentleman to his core, he'll bid you "good day" as he powers past you with his two basenji mixes, Angel and Leah.

Duke University

"If you think you might be a gentleman, you're going to have to override that when you're working, because a woman could kill you today," Brown said.

The Washington Post

To be a gentleman, you have to treat the girl with respect, be kind and affectionate, and make her feel like all of your attention is on her, whether you're out at a fancy date or just grabbing coffee.

WikiHow

If your son is to have any hope of becoming a gentleman, you need to instill in him the importance of resisting temptation and doing what he knows to be right.

WikiHow

This probably has something to do with the spears' vague resemblance to a gentleman's you-know-what.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Has there ever been any misunderstanding between us?" Ferguson coldly replied, "No, Reuben, you have always treated me like a gentleman, but you have been to Camp Robinson, and I intend to kill you".

The New York Times

If they act like a gentleman or gentlewoman to you, it's often a sign that they like you.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider using "towards" instead of "to" to align with standard English usage, for example, "a gentleman towards you."

Common error

While "a gentleman to you" isn't inherently wrong, relying on less common prepositions can lead to ambiguity. Using "towards" or rephrasing can often make the sentence clearer and more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gentleman to you" functions as a descriptor, aiming to characterize someone's behavior or attitude in relation to the person being addressed. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase isn't standard but can be understood in certain contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a gentleman to you" is a descriptor used to portray someone's behavior as respectful and courteous. Although Ludwig AI notes that the phrasing isn't standard, it is understandable and found across various contexts like News & Media and Wiki articles. While grammatically acceptable, the use of "towards" might provide better clarity. Related phrases include "a respectful person to you" and "a courteous individual to you". When using this phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure your message is clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a respectful man towards you

Replaces "to" with "towards" for a slightly more conventional phrasing.

a courteous gentleman towards you

Combines courtesy with the concept of a gentleman, and uses "towards" for a slightly more standard construction.

a respectful person to you

Emphasizes the aspect of showing respect in interactions.

a courteous individual to you

Highlights politeness and good manners in conduct.

a kind man to you

Focuses on the quality of being kind and considerate.

a considerate man to you

Highlights thoughtfulness and awareness of your needs.

a thoughtful person to you

Stresses the quality of being thoughtful and attentive.

a well-mannered person to you

Highlights the importance of having good manners.

a refined man to you

Indicates elegance and sophistication in behavior.

a gracious individual to you

Emphasizes charm, courtesy, and generosity.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "a gentleman"?

Being a gentleman generally means behaving with courtesy, respect, and consideration towards others. It often involves adhering to social graces and showing kindness.

Is it more correct to say "a gentleman to you" or "a gentleman towards you"?

While both are understandable, "a gentleman towards you" is often preferred because it aligns more closely with standard English usage. "A gentleman to you" isn't incorrect, but may sound less natural.

What are some qualities that define a gentleman?

Qualities that define a gentleman include politeness, respectfulness, honesty, integrity, and consideration for others. A gentleman typically exhibits good manners and strives to treat everyone with kindness.

How can I express similar sentiments as "a gentleman to you" with different wording?

You can use alternatives like "a respectful person to you", "a courteous individual to you", or simply describe specific actions of kindness and consideration.