behave kindly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behave kindly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising or instructing someone to act in a considerate or gentle manner towards others. Example: "In our community, we encourage everyone to behave kindly towards one another, fostering a supportive environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

No one can make the people in life behave kindly, fairly, or honestly at all times.

University of California, Berkeley

People who behave kindly on a sunny day may behave callously the next day when it is cloudy and they are feeling glum.

The New York Times

Instead of offering rewards for good behavior, schools should convey the importance for everyone in the school students, teachers, parents, staff, and administrators to behave kindly towards one another, then create the conditions to help them actually do it!

University of California, Berkeley

Heavy-handed though Enid Blyton's polemics were they worked, and the crude sense of social justice they embodied – in which people should always behave kindly to one another, and greed, above all, must always be punished – has profoundly influenced not just my own value system, but my own fiction.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the journal Science a couple of months ago, the psychologist Joseph Henrich and several of his colleagues reported a cross-cultural study of 15 diverse populations and found that people's propensities to behave kindly to strangers and to punish unfairness are strongest in large-scale communities with market economies, where such norms are essential to the smooth functioning of trade.

The New York Times - Magazine

Specifically, we assume that voters demand that firms behave kindly (and this must be true in some scenarios).

Latin American Economic Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's natural for people to feel kind and generous toward those they perceive as behaving kindly and generously toward them.

The New York Times

He is capable of behaving kindly, but he is not kind.

BBC

Look for a female bodyguard that behaves kindly to others, knows how to get what is needed through tact and diplomacy – not by use of force or the fact that they are a "bodyguard".

WikiHow

Find a girl that acts like Hinata and behave very kindly to her.

WikiHow

Following an enquiry, the Victorian Cricket Association and the Melbourne Cricket Club issued a statement denying any watering of the playing area during the match; however Wisden reported that "large cracks were evident on Saturday yet on Monday these had closed and for a time the surface behaved more kindly to batsmen".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone on expected behavior, use "behave kindly" to clearly communicate the importance of consideration and empathy in their actions.

Common error

Avoid using "behave kindly" when describing actions that require more than just kindness, such as situations demanding assertiveness or directness. Kindness should complement, not replace, other necessary behaviors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behave kindly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It adds the nuance of kindness or gentleness to the way someone acts, encouraging considerate behavior, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behave kindly" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to encourage considerate and gentle conduct. Ludwig shows that while not extremely common, it appears in diverse sources like news, academic texts, and wikis. Its purpose is to advise or instruct, fostering positive interactions and empathy. When using the phrase, be mindful of situations where more than just kindness is required. The phrase is deemed correct, according to Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act with kindness

This alternative emphasizes the action and the quality of kindness behind it.

show kindness

This phrase focuses on demonstrating kindness through one's behavior.

conduct oneself kindly

This alternative is a more formal way of saying "behave kindly", focusing on overall deportment.

be considerate

This phrase emphasizes thoughtfulness and awareness of others' feelings.

behave respectfully

This highlights showing deference and consideration in one's actions.

treat with respect

This alternative highlights the aspect of respect in behavior, focusing on consideration for others.

act compassionately

This alternative highlights empathy and concern for others' suffering.

be gentle

This option stresses a mild and non-aggressive demeanor.

display goodwill

This phrase focuses on demonstrating a positive and friendly attitude.

have good manners

This alternative emphasizes adherence to social norms and etiquette.

FAQs

How can I use "behave kindly" in a sentence?

You can use "behave kindly" to advise or instruct someone to act in a considerate and gentle manner. For example, "In our community, we encourage everyone to behave kindly towards one another, fostering a supportive environment."

What are some alternatives to "behave kindly"?

You can use alternatives like "act with kindness", "show kindness", or "be considerate" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "behave kindly"?

Yes, "behave kindly" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English. It is used to describe acting in a considerate and gentle manner.

What's the difference between "behave kindly" and "treat kindly"?

"Behave kindly" refers to the manner of one's actions and overall conduct, while "treat kindly" suggests specific actions of kindness directed towards someone or something. For instance, you might "behave kindly" in general, but "treat animals kindly" in particular.