gesture of courtesy

USAGE SUMMARY

"gesture of courtesy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an action done that is polite and courteous, such as holding a door open for someone or bowing in greeting. For example, "He performed a small gesture of courtesy and bowed to his professor before entering the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But that was purely a gesture of courtesy, which had no consequences.

Yale University

Then, having dispensed with this gesture of courtesy, he bore in, equating Obama with a deposed dictator.

The New Yorker

The guide also warns officers that they may be alarmed by how immigrants respond during car stops: "Be aware that newly arrived Arab-Americans may get out of their car when stopped by a police officer as a gesture of courtesy," the guide states.

The New York Times

He knows, and persuades us to believe, that life's deepest intentions may be expressed by the angle at which a hat is worn, the pattern of a necktie, the size of a monogram, the pitch of a voice, the turn of a phrase of slang, a gesture of courtesy and the way it is received.

The New Yorker

When you, the German people, tore down that wall... walls came tumbling down around the world, from Kiev to Cape Town, prison camps were closed and the doors of democracy were opened... .. (Oh, I forgot to mention -- Obama, naturally, is giving his speech entirely in German, as a gesture of courtesy to the Germans, and I'm translating word for word as we go. Honest).

The Guardian

Offer what you can comfortably part with, whether it be a gesture of courtesy, a story or something material.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In a poignant gesture of traditional courtesy, Mr. Ashcroft was introduced at the hearing today by Senator Jean Carnahan, Democrat of Missouri, who succeeded him in the Senate.

The New York Times

As a gesture of gentlemanly courtesy, he delayed the shift of Senate control from the Republican Party until the tax bill went through.

The New York Times

After returning the salute that the Army sentries at the entrance to the armory gave him, Weyman sailed inside, received and returned a salute from the major general in charge, and told the general that, as a gesture of interservice courtesy, he had come to inspect the troops.

The New Yorker

I think that the lightness, of which Perseus is the hero, could not be better represented than by this gesture of refreshing courtesy toward a being so monstrous and terrifying yet at the same time somehow fragile and perishable.

City, Territory and Architecture

Further, there was a positive correlation between age and ranking scores of "courtesy gesture" and 'inform patient" statements of borderline significance (rho = 0.12, p = 0.01; rho = 0.12, p = 0.01, respectively).

BMC Medical Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gesture of courtesy" to describe small, polite actions that show respect and consideration for others in both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "gesture of courtesy" sarcastically or in contexts where the sincerity of the action is questionable, as it can undermine the intended meaning and appear insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gesture of courtesy" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific action performed as a sign of politeness and consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gesture of courtesy" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies an action performed as a sign of politeness and respect. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in English writing. While not extremely common, it appears in diverse contexts such as news media and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with genuine politeness, and avoid sarcasm to maintain its intended meaning. Alternatives like "act of politeness" or "polite gesture" can be used for variety. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, writers can effectively incorporate "gesture of courtesy" into their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

polite gesture

Swaps 'courtesy' for its synonym 'politeness'.

act of politeness

Replaces 'gesture' with 'act', emphasizing the action's politeness.

thoughtful gesture

Highlights the consideration and care involved in the action.

courteous action

Inverts the structure and uses 'courteous' as an adjective.

respectful gesture

Highlights the aspect of showing respect through the action.

gracious act

Uses 'gracious' to convey a sense of kindness and elegance in the action.

kindly act

Focuses on the benevolence and thoughtfulness behind the action.

civil gesture

Emphasizes the action's alignment with societal norms of civility.

amiable gesture

Implies a friendly and pleasant nature of the action.

tactful action

Suggests the action is performed with sensitivity and awareness of others' feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "gesture of courtesy" in a sentence?

You can use "gesture of courtesy" to describe an action that shows politeness and respect. For example, "Holding the door open was a simple "gesture of courtesy"."

What are some alternatives to "gesture of courtesy"?

Alternatives to "gesture of courtesy" include "act of politeness", "polite gesture", or "respectful gesture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gesture of courtesy" formal or informal?

"Gesture of courtesy" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it describes a universally understood concept of polite behavior.

What is the difference between "gesture of courtesy" and "act of kindness"?

While both involve positive actions, "gesture of courtesy" emphasizes politeness and respect, while "act of kindness" focuses on benevolence and compassion.