elaborate courtesy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elaborate courtesy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is overly polite or formal. Example: After meeting the ambassador, I was surprised by his elaborate courtesy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When the judges who sit on them disagree, they ordinarily address each other with elaborate courtesy.

The New York Times

Though he treated her with elaborate courtesy, he once ordered her back to her seat.

The Guardian

A solidly built man of sixty, with a round face and a trim gray mustache, Tabibian speaks fluent English with a lucidity and a directness that is startling in a culture marked by allusiveness and elaborate courtesy.

The New Yorker

He was a combative Fleet Street Oxbridge dandy, a prolific, lighting-fast writer, often laugh-out-loud funny, with a rich store of obscure (to us provincials) historical allusions and a knack for deploying a tone of elaborate courtesy in the joyful delivery of delicious insult.

The New Yorker

One conversation typical of dozens of others in recent days, in the way in which it closely paralleled state propaganda, but always with an elaborate courtesy, was with Fadil Ahmed, a 58-year-old diabetes sufferer who retired as the head of a state-owned trucking company when surgeons amputated his leg.

The New York Times

Tommy G. Thompson, secretary of health and human services, was greeted with elaborate courtesy as he testified before the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee for the first time since the release of the Bush welfare proposal last month.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

His novel has many voices: Sarah's taut blithe fluency, that of an upper-class intellectual; Slater's bluff, irresistibly British effrontery; Chubb's defensive meander punctuated with Australian and Malay expressions; Mulaha's elaborate courtesies; a Chinese-Malaysian woman's aggressively fractured English — all without benefit of quotation marks.

The New Yorker

It is virtually a truism among foreigners who have lived here for some time that an initial acquaintance with China - its lavish banquets, elaborate courtesies, physical beauty and lingering sense of mystery - can cause normally hard-headed people to suspend or relax their judgment.

The New York Times

An elaborate surface courtesy contains a burning radicalism – and that's his pitch, shake it all up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jellinek ushered me out of the studio, leading the way through long corridors and holding doors open with elaborate European courtesy.

The New Yorker

Here he was about to damn his leader with elaborate southern courtesies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elaborate courtesy" when you want to emphasize a high degree of formality and politeness, often in situations where strict social conventions are observed.

Common error

Avoid using "elaborate courtesy" in informal settings where it may sound overly formal or insincere. Simpler expressions of politeness are often more appropriate in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborate courtesy" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or subject complement. It describes a quality or characteristic. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage and offers various examples of its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elaborate courtesy" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a high degree of formality and politeness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, showing that it frequently appears in News & Media. While the phrase isn't incorrect, its formality may not always be appropriate for all contexts. Alternatives such as "excessive politeness" or "extreme civility" might be considered depending on the intended nuance and context. Remembering to consider the setting and purpose will help determine when and how to utilize this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme civility

Emphasizes the high degree of respectful behavior.

excessive politeness

Focuses on the degree of politeness, implying it might be more than necessary.

formal etiquette

Highlights adherence to strict rules of polite behavior.

ceremonious politeness

Suggests a ritualistic and formal approach to being polite.

exaggerated deference

Focuses on showing excessive respect and submission.

courtly grace

Refers to the elegant and refined politeness associated with royal courts.

refined manners

Implies a sophisticated and cultivated form of politeness.

studied politeness

Indicates a politeness that is carefully planned and executed, perhaps lacking sincerity.

high formality

Indicates a strict adherence to formal rules and customs.

ostentatious politeness

Suggests politeness that is displayed in a showy way, possibly insincere.

FAQs

What does "elaborate courtesy" mean?

The phrase "elaborate courtesy" refers to a high degree of formality and politeness, often involving adherence to strict social conventions and rituals.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "elaborate courtesy"?

Use "elaborate courtesy" to describe situations where formality and politeness are emphasized, such as diplomatic meetings or formal social events. In informal settings, this phrase may seem out of place.

Are there alternatives to "elaborate courtesy"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "excessive politeness", "extreme civility", or "formal etiquette" depending on the context.

How does "elaborate courtesy" differ from simple politeness?

"Elaborate courtesy" implies a more complex and formal display of politeness than everyday expressions of good manners. It involves a higher level of ritual and attention to social conventions.