bit of decorum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bit of decorum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small amount of proper behavior or etiquette in a given situation. Example: "Even in a casual setting, a bit of decorum is appreciated to maintain a pleasant atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A bit of decorum.

The New Yorker

It's about having a bit of decorum.

The Guardian - Sport

There are certain events in life that demand a bit of decorum and sober attire: a funeral, an audience with the Queen, a court date.

The Guardian - Sport

Double-firsts all round to the group from Oxford University who brought a bit of decorum to Davos with a port-and-stilton party.

The Guardian - Business

Their ire is directed at Bercow, a man trying to bring a bit of decorum to a debate, lest we forget, about the money the government is removing from trainee nurses.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even if you consider yourself to be the fun exception or an amusing anomaly, there is a bit of decorum one must respect in established circles of humans.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A bit of British decorum?

The New York Times

It forces people to interact with others with a little bit of decorum a completely new concept to many people on the Internet.

TechCrunch

Either out of a sense of decorum or a clever bit of strategizing, tippees are often reluctant to provide much guidance.

The New York Times - Style

A sense of decorum.

The New York Times

"That offends certain British ideas of decorum".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bit of decorum" to gently suggest that a situation or person could benefit from more respectful or appropriate behavior without being overly critical.

Common error

Avoid using "bit of decorum" in contexts that are inherently casual or informal. It can sound stilted or out of place if the setting doesn't warrant even a minimal level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bit of decorum" functions as a noun phrase that modifies a situation or action, suggesting the need for or presence of a small amount of proper behavior or etiquette. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a valid and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bit of decorum" refers to a small degree of proper behavior, often used to suggest a need for more politeness or formality in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears primarily in News & Media, lending itself well to contexts where there's a need to gently nudge toward more respectful conduct. For alternatives, consider "touch of propriety" or "hint of etiquette". When using "bit of decorum", ensure that the context isn't too casual, as it can sound out of place in truly informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touch of propriety

Replaces 'decorum' with 'propriety', focusing on adherence to conventionally accepted standards of behavior.

hint of etiquette

Substitutes 'decorum' with 'etiquette', emphasizing the formal rules of correct or polite behavior.

semblance of formality

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on the outward appearance of formal behavior.

degree of politeness

Focuses on the specific quality of being polite, rather than the broader concept of decorum.

modicum of respectability

Highlights the aspect of being seen as respectable and behaving accordingly.

element of civility

Emphasizes polite and courteous behavior, specifically focusing on being civil.

suggestion of good manners

Focuses on demonstrating good manners, which contributes to decorum.

whisper of proper conduct

Indicates a subtle adherence to expected standards of behavior.

shade of conventionality

Highlights conforming to established conventions in behavior.

flicker of dignified behavior

Focuses on acting in a dignified manner, suggesting a brief or subtle display.

FAQs

How can I use "bit of decorum" in a sentence?

You might say, "Even a casual gathering benefits from a "bit of decorum", like avoiding controversial topics." or "The meeting lacked a "bit of decorum" when attendees started arguing."

What's a similar phrase to "bit of decorum"?

Alternatives include "touch of propriety", "hint of etiquette", or "semblance of formality", each conveying a slightly different nuance of appropriate behavior.

Is it always necessary to have a "bit of decorum"?

While not always strictly necessary, a "bit of decorum" can enhance social interactions and maintain respect, especially in professional or formal settings. However, some situations thrive on informality.

When might "bit of decorum" be inappropriate?

In highly informal settings, like a casual gathering among close friends, insisting on a "bit of decorum" might be seen as pretentious or overly formal. Context is key.