courteous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "courteous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is polite, respectful, and considerate of others. For example, "The customer service representative was very courteous and helpful with my question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The people, a mixture of Indian, Chinese, African and European backgrounds, are friendly, kind and always courteous.

The Guardian - Travel

But behind the irresistibly courteous front, the infallible memory for faces, there is a real and lovable man, perhaps the biggest British football has produced.

The Guardian - Sport

Which brings thoughts back to the question of why this most courteous of individuals should scrap so much.

The Guardian

Karan is good-looking, courteous, clearly very bright.

The Guardian

One on one, with a woman, Murphy is scrupulously courteous, although he does make it clear to me before we begin that I should can any feminine wiles, suggesting that he has been interviewed before by "women who get middle-aged men to say stuff".

The Guardian

Comment: On a personal note, over the years of dealing with Andy Mullins I found him to be candid and courteous, two qualities that are rare in media executives.

The Guardian

Before Jane arrived, Benn was courteous and articulate, answering my questions fully, statesmanlike and obviously in control; after Jane came, he visibly softened, almost melted.

The Guardian - Arts

He was hugely fun, witty, courteous with his convictions, polite with his politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am not sure what I was expecting but when we met, before the event, he was punctiliously courteous.

The Guardian

He added: "He was a dreamy guy to do business with, he was inspirational and courteous and generous to everyone around him.

The Guardian - Film

Before I delivered my speech, he was very courteous to me and yet I repaid him by being disobliging.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions, use "courteous" to highlight someone's respectful and considerate behavior. For instance, "The staff was exceptionally courteous, making our stay pleasant."

Common error

While "courteous" is generally positive, avoid using it in extremely informal contexts where a more casual term like "nice" or "friendly" might be more appropriate. Assess your audience to ensure the level of formality matches the setting.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "courteous" primarily functions to describe a quality or characteristic of a person or their behavior. It indicates that someone is polite, respectful, and considerate of others. Examples on Ludwig illustrate its use in describing individuals in professional and social settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "courteous" is a versatile adjective used to describe someone who demonstrates politeness, respect, and consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "polite", "respectful", and "gracious" offer similar meanings, "courteous" carries a distinct emphasis on thoughtful behavior. To use it effectively, remember to consider the level of formality required by the situation. Elevate your writing by choosing "courteous" when you want to specifically highlight someone's good manners and considerate nature in both professional and everyday interactions. As exemplified by Ludwig, this term is a staple for conveying respect and appreciation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

polite

A general term for showing good manners.

respectful

Emphasizes showing deference and esteem.

gracious

Suggests elegance and kindness in behavior.

civil

Implies basic politeness and adherence to social norms.

well-mannered

Highlights good upbringing and etiquette.

obliging

Willing to do favors or be helpful.

affable

Friendly and easy to talk to.

considerate

Thoughtful of others' feelings and needs.

tactful

Skilled in handling delicate situations.

diplomatic

Skilled in dealing sensitively with others.

FAQs

How can I use "courteous" in a sentence?

You can use "courteous" to describe someone's behavior, for example: "The waiter was very courteous and attentive." It highlights politeness and respect.

What words can I use instead of "courteous"?

Alternatives to "courteous" include "polite", "respectful", or "gracious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be "courteous" or "friendly"?

While both are positive, "courteous" emphasizes politeness and respect, whereas "friendly" suggests warmth and approachability. The best choice depends on the context and the desired tone.

What's the difference between "courteous" and "deferential"?

"Courteous" implies general politeness and consideration, while "deferential" suggests showing submission or respect to a superior. Deference is a stronger form of respect.