cordial to

USAGE SUMMARY

"cordial to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express good-natured friendliness and kindness. For example, "The receptionist was cordial to all of the guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"He is very cordial to everyone".

The New York Times

They weren't cordial to us and threw tomatoes, etc.

The New Yorker

They must be cordial to their hosts, but tough in the face of any shenanigans.

The Economist

JEFFREY TOOBIN: They are all polite and cordial to each other, including AMK.

The New Yorker

Manuel's personal relationships with the Crusaders and with other Westerners remained cordial to the end.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are cordial to their new neighbors, but they are not really friends.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

To be sure, Murrow, a lean, dark, handsome, and deceptively easy-mannered man of forty-five, who bears his own eminence without visible effort, is on cordial-to-intimate terms with most of the important people in the United States and Great Britain and gives no evidence of being indifferent to their esteem.

The New Yorker

Originally formulated as Asian-style "drinking vinegars," Mr. Ricker now calls them cordials, to combine with sparkling water for a dry refresher, or to use in cocktails.

The New York Times - Food

Johns Hopkins patients dine off Villeroy & Boch china delicately emblazoned with the Hopkins emblem, while Washington Hospital Centers Pavilion, in the District of Columbia, offers patients a printed selection of "wines, spirits, beers and cordials" to accompany their luncheon and dinner menus.

Forbes

If the I.S.I. continues to maintain cordial ties to the Haqqanis, Mr. Markey said, "this may be a precursor" to such a decision.

The New York Times

"It's good to be cordial and to be friendly," Zayat said this week.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cordial to" to describe interactions where you want to emphasize a balance of politeness and friendliness, without necessarily implying deep affection or close relationship. It's suitable for professional or formal contexts where maintaining a positive but not overly familiar tone is important.

Common error

While "cordial to" is generally correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Overuse can make you sound stiff or overly formal. Opt for simpler words like "friendly" or "nice" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cordial to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the manner in which someone interacts with others. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes good-natured friendliness and kindness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cordial to" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's friendly and polite behavior towards others. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a sense of good-naturedness and kindness. With numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, its frequent use in News & Media contexts illustrates its versatility. While synonyms like "friendly toward" and "polite to" offer similar meanings, understanding the subtle differences can help refine your writing. Remember to avoid overuse in informal settings, and use this phrase to strike a balance between politeness and genuine warmth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind to

Emphasizes the caring and considerate nature of the interaction.

friendly toward

Focuses on the aspect of being amicable in interactions.

considerate of

Focuses on thoughtfulness and awareness of others' feelings and needs.

amiable with

Suggests a pleasant and agreeable disposition in interactions.

polite to

Highlights the aspect of courteous behavior and good manners.

gracious toward

Emphasizes kindness and courtesy, especially in dealing with someone of lower status.

well-disposed to

Indicates a favorable attitude or inclination toward someone.

agreeable to

Focuses on the willingness to be in accord or to comply with someone.

hospitable to

Implies warmth and generosity in welcoming or entertaining guests.

approachable to

Highlights the ease with which someone can be interacted with or spoken to.

FAQs

How can I use "cordial to" in a sentence?

You can use "cordial to" to describe someone's polite and friendly behavior towards others. For instance, "The manager was always cordial to the employees".

What are some alternatives to saying "cordial to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "friendly toward", "polite to", or "kind to".

Is it always necessary to be "cordial to" everyone?

While being "cordial to" others is generally a good practice, it's not always necessary or appropriate in every situation. Use your judgment based on the context and relationship with the other person.

What does it mean to have a "cordial" relationship?

Having a "cordial" relationship implies that the parties involved are polite and friendly towards each other, even if they are not necessarily close friends. It suggests a comfortable and respectful interaction.