be respectful of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be respectful of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone should be aware of and considerate of someone else's feelings, beliefs, ideas, etc. Example sentence: We must all be respectful of our teacher's opinions and treat them with the utmost respect.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be respectful of those who command respect.

WikiHow

You've got to be respectful of that.

The Guardian - Music

Please be respectful of all our neighbors.

The New York Times

"I will be respectful of you.

The Guardian

SIXTH RULE: Be respectful of other styles of fighting.

The New Yorker

She needs to be respectful of the mothers' wishes.

The New York Times

"It's important to be respectful of the procedure".

The New York Times

We just try to be respectful of the entrepreneurs.

TechCrunch

Finally, be respectful of her time and space.

TechCrunch

Be respectful of it".

Huffington Post

Be respectful of local practices.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be respectful of", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what should be respected. Provide specific examples to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be respectful of" in overly broad or vague contexts. For example, instead of saying "be respectful of everything", specify what aspects or entities deserve respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be respectful of" functions as an imperative, commonly used to advise or instruct someone to show consideration and deference. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and applicable across diverse writing contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

55%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be respectful of" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to advise or instruct consideration and deference. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance. It serves the purpose of promoting harmonious interactions and avoiding offense, applicable across various contexts from News & Media to Wiki. The phrase encourages awareness and consideration for others' feelings, beliefs, or property. To use the phrase effectively, ensure clarity about who or what should be respected and avoid vagueness. As a final practical tip, remember that while both "be respectful to" and "be respectful of" are grammatically acceptable, "be respectful of" is often preferred when referring to general concepts or categories, making it a versatile and essential component of considerate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show respect for

Emphasizes the action of displaying respect, rather than the state of being respectful.

treat with respect

Focuses on the manner of treatment, highlighting the importance of showing consideration.

be considerate of

Highlights thoughtfulness and awareness of others' feelings and needs.

have regard for

Implies a deeper sense of appreciation and value for something or someone.

honor and esteem

Focuses on high levels of respect.

value and appreciate

Highlights the importance of recognizing worth and showing gratitude.

hold in high regard

Suggests admiration and a positive opinion of someone or something.

observe etiquette towards

Focuses on the importance of following social norms and conventions.

mindful of

Conveys the act of taking care of other feelings.

be aware and courteous toward

Highlights an understanding of the person.

FAQs

How can I use "be respectful of" in a sentence?

You can use "be respectful of" to advise someone to show consideration or deference towards something. For example, "Be respectful of other people's beliefs, even if you don't share them."

What are some alternatives to "be respectful of"?

Alternatives include "show respect for", "treat with respect", or "be considerate of depending on the context".

Is it better to say "be respectful to" or "be respectful of"?

While both are grammatically acceptable, "be respectful of" is more commonly used when referring to abstract concepts or general categories, while "be respectful to" is typically used when referring to specific individuals or groups.

What does it mean to "be respectful of" someone's boundaries?

To "be respectful of someone's boundaries" means to acknowledge and honor their personal limits, both physical and emotional, and to refrain from crossing those limits without their explicit consent.