courtesy demands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "courtesy demands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that polite behavior or consideration requires a certain action or response. Example: "In this situation, courtesy demands that we acknowledge her contributions to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Courtesy demands that we all turn up everywhere looking and smelling clean, but above and beyond that, it's up to you.

Independent

Senator Arlen Specter, a Pennsylvania Democrat, has urged Mr Stevens to wait.While Mr Stevens makes up his mind, courtesy demands that the White House say nothing in public about his replacement.

The Economist

Or, as the etiquette expert Emily Post put it way back in 1922: "Courtesy demands that you, when you are a guest, show neither annoyance nor disappointment — no matter what happens... you must learn as it were not to notice if hot soup is poured on your back".

The New York Times

Here's a sample, from a TripAdvisor.com user: "Common courtesy demands that you tell a guest paying more than $300 a night for a room that there will be no pool available, especially when you are a hotel in the middle of the desert!

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yet those same figures who accused their audiences of intellectual laziness never extended the courtesy they demanded to figures like Rachmaninoff and Martinu, whose music they claimed to be able to judge, and dismiss, at once.

The New York Times - Arts

Keep looking attentively at the performers, which is what the courtesy of theater demands, or avert your eyes, which is what the courtesy of society demands?

The New York Times

The social contract demands courtesy.

TechCrunch

Attention or courtesy is never demanded.

The Guardian

And it is certainly not a courtesy he may demand pedally.

The New York Times - Magazine

The actual news here is pretty positive, as the company reports a record operating profit, courtesy of high demand for its components and flagship handsets.

TechCrunch

Demanding courtesy is a bit rich from the people who brought us things like the "hostile environment" policies which hound people back to countries that they never came from in the first place, or haven't seen in years.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue or portraying characters, use "courtesy demands" to indicate someone's adherence to social norms or their expectation of others' polite behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "courtesy demands" as a justification for inaction or passivity. While politeness is important, it should not prevent you from addressing important issues or standing up for your beliefs. Remember, you can be both courteous and assertive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "courtesy demands" functions as a way to express a social or ethical obligation. It indicates that a particular action or behavior is expected or required as a matter of politeness or social grace, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "courtesy demands" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize that a certain action is expected or required due to social norms or politeness. While relatively rare in usage, it appears primarily in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrase's proper use in expressing social obligations. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and that politeness does not compromise assertiveness. Consider alternative phrases like "politeness requires" or "etiquette dictates" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

politeness requires

Focuses on politeness as the reason for the demand, rather than general courtesy.

etiquette dictates

Emphasizes that the demand arises from established rules of etiquette.

decorum necessitates

Highlights the need for proper and dignified behavior as the reason.

good manners call for

Uses a more informal tone, suggesting that good manners are the basis.

civility compels

Indicates that civil behavior is the driving force behind the requirement.

protocol demands

Suggests the demand comes from a set of established procedures or rules.

propriety dictates

Focuses on the need for socially acceptable behavior.

common decency requires

Emphasizes basic moral principles and respect as the basis for the demand.

social norms dictate

Highlights the role of societal expectations in shaping the demand.

basic consideration suggests

Suggests that thinking of others should be enough to know the action to take.

FAQs

How can I use "courtesy demands" in a sentence?

You can use "courtesy demands" to indicate that politeness or social norms necessitate a particular action. For example: "In this situation, "politeness demands" that we acknowledge her contributions to the project."

What phrases are similar to "courtesy demands"?

Similar phrases include "politeness requires", "etiquette dictates", and "decorum necessitates", all of which express a similar sense of obligation based on social expectations.

Is "courtesy demands" formal or informal?

"Courtesy demands" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both professional and informal contexts where politeness is a key consideration. However, depending on the specific context, you might choose a more or less formal alternative.

Can "courtesy demands" be used in business writing?

Yes, "courtesy demands" can be used in business writing to emphasize the importance of politeness and professionalism in interactions. For instance, you might say, "Professionalism requires that we respond promptly to client inquiries."