common courtesy

USAGE SUMMARY

"common courtesy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to polite behavior that is generally expected of people in a social context. For example: "The common courtesy of holding the door open for someone who is behind you is an example of good manners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's just common courtesy.

The New Yorker

Remember common courtesy?

The New York Times - Travel

It's a common courtesy.

The New York Times

I think it's common courtesy.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is a question of common courtesy.

The New York Times

"It's a matter of common courtesy.

The New York Times - Sports

Common courtesy met basic logic there.

The Guardian - Sport

An advertisement cannot teach common courtesy.

The New York Times

Respecting police officers is common courtesy; disrespecting them isn't illegal.

The Washington Post

You just have to show common courtesy and use common sense.

The New York Times

The Nuisance Factor Finally, there is the question of common courtesy.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common courtesy" to emphasize the expected level of politeness in everyday interactions, reminding people of the basic standards of respectful behavior.

Common error

Don't assume "common courtesy" covers all social situations. While it addresses basic politeness, it may not extend to complex ethical dilemmas or situations requiring specialized knowledge of etiquette.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common courtesy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the expected and basic level of politeness in social interactions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Common courtesy" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that refers to basic politeness and consideration in social interactions. Ludwig AI confirms this. It functions as a noun phrase and serves to emphasize the importance of respectful behavior. Found frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it carries a neutral register. To enhance your writing, use it to highlight expected politeness and avoid assuming it covers complex ethical situations. Alternatives include "basic politeness" and "simple civility". Remember, practicing "common courtesy" promotes positive interactions and respect in daily life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic politeness

Emphasizes the fundamental level of politeness involved.

simple civility

Highlights the aspect of civil behavior.

everyday etiquette

Focuses on the customary rules of behavior.

good manners

Stresses the display of proper etiquette and behavior.

ordinary decency

Underscores the baseline level of respectful conduct.

due respect

Highlights the importance of showing consideration to others.

customary consideration

Focuses on thoughtfulness as a social norm.

social grace

Suggests elegance and refinement in social interactions.

thoughtful behavior

Emphasizes the cognitive aspect of being considerate.

decent behavior

Focuses on the baseline expectation of moral and respectful actions.

FAQs

What does "common courtesy" mean?

"Common courtesy" refers to the basic level of politeness and consideration that is expected in social interactions. It includes things like saying "please" and "thank you", respecting personal space, and being mindful of others' feelings.

How can I show "common courtesy" in the workplace?

Showing "common courtesy" in the workplace can include acknowledging colleagues, being punctual for meetings, respecting different opinions, and keeping shared spaces tidy.

Is "common courtesy" the same as good manners?

While the terms are similar, "common courtesy" often refers to more basic and universally expected behaviors, while good manners may encompass a broader range of etiquette and social graces.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "common courtesy"?

You can use alternatives like "basic politeness", "simple civility", or "good manners" depending on the context.