for courtesy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for courtesy" can be used in written English.
Example: Please remember to call ahead for courtesy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The fight for courtesy was lost long ago.

The New York Times

Instead, the book offered clearly stated reasons for courtesy, gentility, and scrupulousness — reasons that I could respect, understand, and implement.

The New Yorker

Instead, the book offered clearly stated reasons for courtesy, gentility, and scrupulousness reasons that I could respect, understand, and implement.

The New Yorker

The show doesn't seem to be tiring yet, despite the glut of epic, exotic television locations audiences have been spoiled for, courtesy of Game of Thrones.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yet Nancy Dickerson, who died in 1997, was a "steel magnolia," according to an NBC director, and, as Diane Sawyer says, "hard-wired for courtesy".

The New York Times - Books

He thrusts his arm out, and for a freeze-framed second, the gesture might have passed for courtesy: a man holding an elevator door open for a young woman.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Top 50 paid-for dailies (courtesy WAN-IFRA).

Huffington Post

Arthur developed a reputation for diligence, courtesy, and concern for the welfare of his men.

Wikipedia

Today a paperweight tagged with Warhol's pop rendering of the can sells for $16.50, courtesy of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, which owns his estate.

Forbes

Though etiquette doesn't always require--or even favor--absolute honesty, in most situations it's important not to mislead intentionally, for tactical reasons and for common courtesy.

Science Magazine

He acknowledged that he had reached out to a colleague "for professional courtesy" to erase a summons, for a person he did not identify.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for courtesy" when describing an action performed to adhere to social norms or show respect, particularly in formal or professional settings. It implies the action is motivated by politeness rather than strict obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "for courtesy" in informal conversations or when describing simple acts of kindness. Simpler expressions like "just to be nice" or "as a favor" are more appropriate in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for courtesy" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It specifies the reason or motive behind an action, indicating that it is done as a gesture of politeness or adherence to social conventions. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is deemed grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for courtesy" serves as a prepositional phrase used to explain the motivation behind an action, attributing it to politeness or adherence to social norms. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears most frequently in news and media but is also found in scientific and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, remember that while grammatically sound, "for courtesy" best suits situations where politeness is a key consideration. If you want to express similar meanings, consider phrases such as ""out of politeness"", ""as a matter of respect"", or "in the interest of good manners" for adding variety to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of politeness

Focuses on the act being motivated by politeness, rather than just for the sake of courtesy.

as a matter of respect

Emphasizes the respect underlying the action.

in the interest of good manners

Highlights the importance of adhering to proper etiquette.

to show respect

Directly states the intention of showing respect.

as a professional courtesy

Specifies the courtesy as being within a professional context.

by way of a polite gesture

Highlights the action as a polite gesture.

as an act of civility

Underscores the civility inherent in the action.

to be civil

Emphasizes the intent to maintain a civil environment.

in deference to

Suggests yielding to someone's wishes or position as a sign of respect.

on account of politeness

Similar to "out of politeness" but perhaps a bit more formal.

FAQs

What does "for courtesy" mean?

The phrase "for courtesy" indicates that something is done as a gesture of politeness, respect, or adherence to social conventions. It's often used in formal contexts to explain the motivation behind an action.

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

You can use "for courtesy" to describe why someone is doing something, such as "He sent a thank you note "out of politeness"" or "The company offered a discount "as a matter of respect" to their long-term clients."

What's the difference between "for courtesy" and "out of courtesy"?

"For courtesy" explains the reason or motivation behind an action, while "out of courtesy" specifies the feeling that prompts the action. Both are similar, but "out of courtesy" places more emphasis on the feeling of politeness.

Are there alternatives to "for courtesy" that I can use?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like "as a professional courtesy", "to show respect", or "in the interest of good manners".