bedside manner

USAGE SUMMARY

'bedside manner' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe the manner and attitude that a doctor projects to a patient during a medical consultation. For example, "Dr. Smith has a very warm and caring bedside manner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The student wants a little bedside manner.

The New York Times - Sports

And his bedside manner is lacking.

The New York Times

"His bedside manner is wonderful," she said.

The New York Times

Bob: "She has a marvellous bedside manner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He has an outstanding bedside manner".

The New York Times

Ms. Rhee's weakness is her bedside manner.

The New York Times

She had a great bedside manner.

The Guardian

Still, Dr. Seuss had an inimitable bedside manner.

The New York Times

Like I said – she has an excellent bedside manner.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In the film, he has a slow, methodical bedside manner.

The Guardian - Film

Rand Paul has the bedside manner of a surgeon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "bedside manner", be specific about the qualities that make it effective, such as empathy, patience, or clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "bedside manner" solely for doctors; it applies to anyone in a caring or service role requiring sensitivity, such as nurses, therapists, or even customer service representatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bedside manner" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a specific quality or characteristic of an individual, often in a professional or caring context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bedside manner" describes the way a person interacts with others, particularly in sensitive situations, requiring empathy and clear communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Key related phrases include "patient approach" and "compassionate demeanor". When using "bedside manner", remember it applies to anyone requiring sensitivity, not just doctors. Focus on specifying which qualities make a particular "bedside manner" effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tactful approach

Emphasizes discretion and sensitivity in dealing with delicate matters.

empathetic interaction

Stresses the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

understanding manner

Focuses on demonstrating comprehension and acceptance.

compassionate demeanor

Highlights the empathy and caring shown in the person's behavior.

caring attitude

Highlights the concern and support demonstrated by the person.

gentle handling

Indicates a soft and careful way of managing situations or people.

patient approach

Focuses on the calmness and understanding the person brings to interactions.

thoughtful communication

Emphasizes consideration for the recipient when conveying a message.

sensitive communication

Emphasizes the careful and thoughtful way the person conveys information.

diplomatic skill

Highlights the tact and finesse used in handling sensitive situations.

FAQs

How can I use "bedside manner" in a sentence?

You can say, "The doctor's excellent "bedside manner" put the patient at ease", or "Her lack of "bedside manner" made it difficult for patients to trust her".

What are some alternative phrases for "bedside manner"?

Consider using phrases like "patient approach", "compassionate demeanor", or "empathetic interaction" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "bedside manner" only applicable to doctors?

No, while commonly associated with doctors, "bedside manner" can describe the way anyone in a helping profession interacts with individuals, especially when sensitivity and empathy are required.

What qualities constitute a good "bedside manner"?

Key qualities include empathy, patience, active listening, clear communication, and respect for the individual's feelings and concerns.