general courtesy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general courtesy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to common polite behavior or manners that are expected in social interactions. Example: "It is considered general courtesy to say thank you after receiving a gift."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

GigaOm's John Wilson wrote a great piece on just that, outlining the advancements that could be made to the 911 system and health care in general courtesy of Siri.

TechCrunch

One potential explanation is his general courtesy to a member of his extended family; another is that he was starting to consider how to end the war peacefully, and saw this as a way of building a relationship with Henry.

Wikipedia

A well placed compliment and general courtesy will get you so much farther than being a suck up.

WikiHow

This is a general courtesy that applies to other situations, but it's more important when your hosts who are housing you are present and attempting to entertain you or just live their lives normally.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Know the cookie-selling rules and safety guidelines, as well as general courtesies.

WikiHow

In general, basic courtesy is all you need to stay on the dealer's and other players' good sides.

Huffington Post

Their story line is that when murderers kill, it's not because guns are so readily available in the general population (courtesy of the NRA and the gun industry that supports it); but rather it's because all the shooters must have been crazy.

Huffington Post

"Any liberalization of the use of wireless devices on airplanes should not negate general common courtesies," the trade group said.

The New York Times

Lastly, the word came to be used in its general sense of "courtesy".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The general has made courtesy calls to explain his campaign platform to a number of European embassies as well as the Australian Embassy, but not to the United States Embassy.

The New York Times

As she did in an earlier Meanwhile ("Acclimation," Aug. 11), Ms. Makihara once again makes a point of focusing on one or two negative run-ins (this time with a bank teller and a man at a building management office) and then writes with authority about the general lack of courtesy in America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the audience and context to tailor your level of "general courtesy". What might be appropriate in one setting could be seen as too formal or informal in another.

Common error

Avoid excessive flattery or overly solicitous language in an attempt to demonstrate "general courtesy". This can come across as insincere or even manipulative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general courtesy" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a broad standard of polite behavior. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, indicating adherence to social norms and expectations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "general courtesy" refers to basic politeness and good manners. As stated in Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, although its usage is relatively rare. It's most commonly found in Wiki and News & Media contexts. Demonstrating "general courtesy" involves being respectful and considerate, tailoring your approach to the specific situation and audience. While it's a valuable trait, avoid overdoing it to prevent coming across as insincere. When expressing similar meanings, "common politeness" and "basic civility" serve as suitable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common politeness

Replaces 'courtesy' with 'politeness' emphasizing the expected social behavior.

basic civility

Uses 'civility' to highlight the fundamental aspects of polite behavior.

ordinary good manners

Emphasizes the conventional and well-accepted nature of polite conduct.

standard etiquette

Focuses on the rules and practices that define polite behavior in various situations.

customary respect

Highlights the element of respect inherent in polite interactions.

everyday politeness

Emphasizes that it is something that should be done everyday.

accepted decorum

Indicates a behavior in line with social convention.

expected consideration

Highlights the aspect of being considerate to people and what is deemed accepted.

typical amenability

Highlights being amiable and pleasant.

decent behavior

Replaces 'courtesy' to focus on the ethical component of the expected behaviour.

FAQs

How can I show "general courtesy" in an email?

In emails, demonstrate "general courtesy" by using a professional tone, addressing recipients respectfully, using proper grammar and spelling, and responding promptly. A simple thank you or acknowledgement can also go a long way.

What's the difference between "general courtesy" and "professional etiquette"?

"General courtesy" refers to basic politeness and good manners applicable in most social situations. "Professional etiquette", on the other hand, refers to rules and practices that are considered appropriate in a workplace or professional setting, which might include specific guidelines beyond basic courtesy.

How important is "general courtesy" in customer service?

"General courtesy" is crucial in customer service. Treating customers with politeness, respect, and patience can lead to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and positive word-of-mouth. It sets the tone for positive interactions.

Are there situations where "general courtesy" might be inappropriate?

While generally appropriate, there might be situations where strict adherence to "general courtesy" could be perceived as insincere or out of touch. For example, in urgent or crisis situations, direct and concise communication might be favored over elaborate politeness.