kindly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "kindly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something done in a friendly and courteous manner, such as in the sentence: "He kindly offered to help me with my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She gave few details about how she ended up leaving Mexico with the girl, although she said she knows many would not look kindly on her actions.

The Guardian

As I once so kindly tried to reassure my panda: everything's going to be all right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Charles Kennedy (Former leader of Liberal Democrats dies aged 55, theguardian.com, 2 June) was a rarity in public life: a thoroughly decent man who was honest enough to admit his failings and who was not treated kindly for doing so.

The Guardian

Leaders there would not take kindly to British demands.

The Guardian

While Campbell's redoubtable wife Elspeth has a taste for demotic television - she famously completed a dissertation on the matriarchs of Coronation Street -she does not seem the type to take kindly to fish and chips in her hotel bedroom.

The Guardian

To put it kindly, you can say her fans resemble the star-struck kids in old films of the Beatles.

The Guardian - Arts

On the menu will be two elephants, two buffaloes, two sable antelopes, five impalas and a lion kindly donated by a local farmer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not that his remarks will be kindly interpreted in the morning papers.

The Guardian

He said: "You kindly suggested that it would be helpful if I put them in writing – despite the Freedom of Information Act".

The Guardian

"They kindly asked us to do a homage to 50 years of BBC2.

The Guardian

There's no "deep down", there's no "at heart" – rather, if you act mean all the time, then you are mean; and if you act kindly, you are kind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kindly" to soften requests, making them more polite and less demanding. For example, "Kindly submit your reports by Friday" is more courteous than "Submit your reports by Friday."

Common error

Avoid using "kindly" too frequently in casual conversations. While it adds politeness, overuse can make your speech sound overly formal or even sarcastic. In informal settings, simpler words like "please" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "kindly" is to serve as an adverb of manner, modifying a verb to indicate that an action is performed in a kind or polite way. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing it frequently employed to soften requests or express politeness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kindly" functions as an adverb of manner, injecting politeness and courtesy into requests and statements. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various formal contexts. While frequently used in news and formal business settings, it's important to be mindful of the register, as overuse in informal situations may sound overly formal. Alternative phrases like "please" and "be so kind as to" can offer similar politeness with varying degrees of formality. Keep in mind that "kindly" helps to add politeness, making it a valuable asset in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please

A direct synonym often used to make a request more polite.

be so kind as to

A more formal and elaborate way of asking someone to do something politely.

thoughtfully

Emphasizes the consideration and care behind an action.

generously

Highlights the willingness to give or share.

graciously

Indicates elegance and courtesy in manner or action.

considerately

Focuses on being mindful of others' feelings and needs.

warmly

Suggests friendliness and affection.

amiably

Implies a pleasant and agreeable manner.

courteously

Highlights adherence to social norms of politeness.

civilly

Indicates politeness and respectfulness, especially in formal settings.

FAQs

How can I use "kindly" in a sentence?

"Kindly" is typically used as an adverb to modify a verb, adding a polite tone to a request or statement. For example, "He "kindly offered" to help" or "Kindly respond at your earliest convenience".

What's the difference between "kindly" and "please"?

While both add politeness, "please" is more versatile and commonly used in everyday language. "Kindly" is often perceived as more formal and can sometimes sound old-fashioned or slightly sarcastic depending on the context. Use "please" for general politeness and "kindly" for a more emphasized or formal tone.

What are some alternatives to "kindly"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "please", "graciously", "thoughtfully", or "generously".

Is it ever incorrect to use "kindly"?

While grammatically correct, using "kindly" in very informal or casual settings might sound out of place. Also, using it sarcastically can be misconstrued if not delivered with the appropriate tone. Be mindful of your audience and the overall tone you wish to convey.