keep it civil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it civil" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to maintain a respectful and polite tone during a discussion or argument. Example: "During our debate, let's keep it civil and focus on the issues rather than personal attacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Please keep it civil.

The New York Times

But let's keep it civil, too.

The New York Times

Keep it civil and polite, as of course you can.

The New York Times

But please keep it civil below the line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And even if we have political differences, or different backgrounds, we keep it civil".

The New York Times

This is a rolling discussion, a lot gets said here, but the key is to keep it civil.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"We definitely kept it civil," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

At least Mr Roy kept it civil through gritted teeth, unlike the Ukraine coach Oleh Blokhin, who offered one fearless interrogator outside on to the pavement for a "man conversation".

The Guardian - Sport

The two have kept it civil ever since, repeatedly praising each other in the press, with Faris describing her estranged husband as an "incredible friend".

Huffington Post

The contenders mostly kept it civil and short — limited to 90 seconds for most of their answers — and attempted to articulate why they are the most worthy to advance six weeks from now.

Los Angeles Times

The Italian government rejected the demand, saying it would keep its "civil and military" presence in Iraq.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep it civil" when moderating discussions or setting ground rules for interactions, particularly in online forums or meetings.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it civil" as a substitute for addressing serious misconduct. While it encourages politeness, it doesn't replace necessary disciplinary actions or interventions for harassment or abuse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it civil" functions as an imperative, urging individuals to maintain a polite and respectful demeanor. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used in discussions or arguments to avoid personal attacks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Keep it civil" is a common and grammatically correct imperative phrase used to encourage respectful and polite communication, particularly during discussions or debates. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the phrase appears frequently in news media and online forums. While it serves as a reminder to avoid personal attacks and maintain order, it should not replace addressing serious misconduct. Alternatives include phrases such as "stay respectful" and "maintain decorum". It is a versatile phrase applicable in various contexts to promote constructive dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep it respectful

Adds emphasis to behaving in a considerate and respectful way.

stay respectful

Emphasizes the importance of showing respect in interactions.

remain polite

Highlights the need to maintain courteous behavior.

be courteous

Stresses the importance of showing good manners.

maintain decorum

Focuses on upholding standards of behavior in a formal setting.

keep it friendly

Suggests maintaining an amicable atmosphere.

avoid personal attacks

Shifts the focus to preventing offensive comments.

moderate the discussion

Focuses on controlling the tone and content of a conversation.

exercise restraint

Highlights the need for self-control in communication.

handle with care

Implies cautious and considerate interaction.

FAQs

How to use "keep it civil" in a sentence?

You can use "keep it civil" to encourage respectful behavior during discussions. For example, "Let's "keep it civil" and focus on the facts during the debate."

What can I say instead of "keep it civil"?

Alternatives include "stay respectful", "maintain decorum", or "remain polite depending on the situation.

When is it appropriate to use "keep it civil"?

It's appropriate to use "keep it civil" when you want to remind people to be respectful and polite, especially in potentially heated or controversial discussions.

What's the difference between "keep it civil" and "be respectful"?

"Be respectful" is a general request for showing consideration, while ""keep it civil"" specifically implies maintaining a basic level of politeness and order, especially when tensions are high.