be a dear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a dear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is mainly used as a polite way of asking someone to do something for you, usually with a hint of warmth. For example, you could say, "Could you get me a cup of tea, be a dear?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

He will be a dear, uncomplicated man, like his father.

The New Yorker

Would I be a dear and drive him there?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So be a dear and keep the line moving, would you?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Since this is not one of my stories, would you please be a dear and turn it off?" she said.

The New York Times

"People always expect me to be a dear old thing in a cottage with roses round the door and a pussy cat on my knee," says Babette Cole.

The Guardian

And as you're blooming into a veritable rose garden of red rashes, be a dear and phone everyone you hung out with in the days before you realised you were a disgusting sick person.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

One is a dear friend.

The New York Times

She's a dear friend.

The New York Times

"Reggie was a dear.

The Guardian

He was a dear man.

Princeton University

He was a dear and trusted friend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be a dear" when asking someone for a small favor, especially when you have a friendly or familiar relationship with them. It adds a touch of warmth to the request.

Common error

Avoid using "be a dear" in formal or professional situations, as it can come across as condescending or inappropriate. Opt for more direct and respectful language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a dear" functions as an imperative, specifically used to make a polite request. Ludwig AI shows it's typically employed when asking someone to do something for you.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a dear" is a polite, though informal, imperative phrase used to request a favor. According to Ludwig AI, it is generally considered grammatically correct and is found mainly in informal contexts, particularly in News & Media. It's best used when speaking to someone you know well, and avoided in more formal or professional settings. Alternative phrases like "would you be so kind" offer a more formal approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a sweetheart

Similar in tone, but conveys extra affection or endearment.

be an angel

Similar in tone to “be a sweetheart”, implying exceptional kindness.

please be so kind

Similar level of formality; directly requests kindness.

would you be so kind

Expresses the request in a question format, making it slightly more polite.

could you do me a favor

More direct request for assistance, less focused on politeness.

do me a kindness

A more formal and less common way to ask for a favor.

lend me a hand

Focuses on physical help, less versatile than “be a dear”.

oblige me

Very formal and somewhat antiquated way of asking for a favor.

be helpful

A simple request to be of assistance, lacking the warmth of “be a dear”.

do the honors

Implies a special or ceremonial task, not general helpfulness.

FAQs

How can I use "be a dear" in a sentence?

You can use "be a dear" to politely ask someone to do something, such as "Be a dear and pass the salt."

What is a more formal alternative to "be a dear"?

Instead of "be a dear", you could say "would you be so kind" or "could you do me a favor" in more formal situations.

When is it inappropriate to use "be a dear"?

It's best to avoid using "be a dear" in professional settings or when addressing someone you don't know well, as it can sound condescending. Stick to more neutral language in these scenarios.

What's the difference between "be a dear" and "be a sweetheart"?

"Be a dear" is a general polite request, while "be a sweetheart" conveys a greater degree of affection or endearment.