a small courtesy

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small courtesy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to recognize someone for a kind act or gesture that was done. For example: "I greatly appreciate your offer to help me with my project - it was a small courtesy that meant a lot to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The appointment was at lunchtime, and when Gilman was shown into the room he was pleased by a small courtesy — an array of sandwiches.

The New Yorker

The pause so angered Republicans that, one by one, they starting withdrawing their support from a small courtesy bill for Ms. Krueger.

The New York Times

It's easy enough to place a backpack between one's feet on the subway; no one gets bumped, and it's a small courtesy to extend to your fellow travelers.

The New York Times

A small courtesy and watching the effect can create great outcomes.

Huffington Post

Remember to say thank you to everyone who performs a small courtesy like opening a door.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It follows the lines of simple good manners, i.e., holding the door for someone, offering them a drink or a chair, buying them lunch, shaking their hand right away when you see them, etc. Almost any small courtesy or act of kindness falls in this category.

WikiHow

I don't speak Portuguese ("thanks" was just a very small courtesy) but perhaps more of us should: it appears to harbour ambitions to become dance music's first language.

The Guardian - Music

It is widely assumed that npost is typically small, courtesy of a high chance of encountering an off-frame stop codon in the immediate downstream neighborhood (Parker 1989; Farabaugh 1996; Farabaugh and Björk 1999; Itzkovitz and Alon 2007).

Genome Biology and Evolution

Tying the hodgepodge together is a preponderance of plants large and small, courtesy of Celestine, who has a Wilder gardening book coming out next year.

The New York Times

Last month, through various abuses of friendship and power in combination with a small miracle courtesy of the restaurant god in the sky, I did manage to get a table (I was working in New York).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The late star of countless classic westerns picked up the nickname as a small boy courtesy of firefighters in his Glendale, California home town: it was originally the name of the family dog, a huge Airedale terrier.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small courtesy" when you want to acknowledge someone's kind and considerate behavior, especially in situations where such behavior might be unexpected or particularly appreciated. For example, "Thank you for holding the door; it was a small courtesy that made my day."

Common error

Don't dismiss "a small courtesy" as insignificant. Recognizing and appreciating these small acts can strengthen relationships and foster a positive environment. Acknowledging even minor gestures demonstrates your own courtesy and attentiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small courtesy" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It refers to an action or behavior considered polite or kind. As Ludwig AI reports, this expression is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small courtesy" is a grammatically correct and understandable English phrase that highlights a minor act of kindness or politeness. According to Ludwig AI, it’s perfectly acceptable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts and is suitable for both formal and informal use. When using the phrase, remember to appreciate the impact of even seemingly insignificant acts of kindness, and avoid dismissing them. Consider using alternatives like "a minor act of kindness" or "a simple gesture of goodwill" for varied expression. Acknowledging and practicing such courtesies enhances social interactions and fosters a positive environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor act of kindness

Replaces "courtesy" with a more descriptive term emphasizing the benevolent nature of the act.

a simple gesture of goodwill

Highlights the positive intent and simplicity of the polite action.

a little act of politeness

Emphasizes the politeness aspect and uses "little" instead of "small".

a thoughtful consideration

Focuses on the considerate nature behind the action.

a common decency

Stresses the basic moral aspect of the courteous behavior.

a token gesture

Highlights the symbolic aspect of the act of courtesy.

a gracious act

Emphasizes the elegance and kindness of the courtesy.

a polite favor

Combines the aspects of politeness and helpfulness.

an everyday kindness

Highlights the simplicity and commonality of such actions.

a civil gesture

Focuses on the social aspect of being civil and well-mannered.

FAQs

How can I express gratitude for "a small courtesy"?

A simple "thank you" is always appropriate. You can also acknowledge the specific action and explain its positive impact. For example, "Thank you for helping me with that; "a minor act of kindness" like that really makes a difference."

What's the difference between "a small courtesy" and "a grand gesture"?

"A small courtesy" refers to a minor act of politeness or kindness, while "a grand gesture" is a significant and often dramatic act. A small courtesy might be holding a door, while a grand gesture could be planning a surprise party.

When is it appropriate to offer "a small courtesy"?

It's always appropriate to offer "a small courtesy" whenever you have the opportunity to make someone's day a little easier or brighter. Offering "a simple gesture of goodwill" in everyday interactions is a good rule of thumb.

Are there situations where "a small courtesy" might be misinterpreted?

While rare, "a small courtesy" could be misinterpreted if cultural norms are not considered. Ensure your actions are respectful and appropriate for the context and the individual. A gesture intended as "a little act of politeness" in one culture could be seen differently in another.