maintain your manners

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain your manners" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to behave politely or to uphold good etiquette in a social situation. Example: "During the formal dinner, please remember to maintain your manners, as it is important to make a good impression."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Maintain your manners.

WikiHow

Maintain your manners and be very cooperative, even if you are pulled aside for additional screening.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Just be sure to do so while maintaining your manners.

WikiHow

It generally helps to maintain your best manners and be very cooperative, and this will likely win back a similar attitude from the TSA staff, but in some cases it may not.

WikiHow

Even if your boss becomes emotional, you want to maintain your professional manner so that he cannot use anything against you.

WikiHow

Stay cool, show your manners and maintain a good disposition to avoid an argument.

WikiHow

Keepers of Southern civility maintain that manners will always be a defining characteristic of the region.

The New York Times

It is, of course, an increasing challenge to maintain gentle manners when stalled in traffic on smoggy highways.

The New York Times - Magazine

Uncomfortable with its promised comforts and disbelieving its reassurances, we maintain its manners but stand it on its head.

The New York Times - Arts

By striking the balance, we can maintain our manners, spread both fearlessness and positivity and, best of all, accomplish great work together.

Huffington Post

Don't eat too much, and maintain manners, even if it is a casual date.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attending formal events or interacting with authority figures, remember to "maintain your manners" to demonstrate respect and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain your manners" in casual settings with close friends; it can sound stiff and unnatural. Opt for more relaxed and friendly language.

Linguistic Context

Maintain your manners functions as an imperative phrase, giving a direct command or instruction. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and grammatically sound, serving to advise or remind someone to behave politely.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain your manners" is an imperative phrase used to instruct someone to behave politely, especially in formal or unfamiliar settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its frequency is rare, it is found across diverse sources like wikis, news media, and scientific publications. Alternatives such as "mind your manners" or "keep your composure" can be used depending on the context. It’s best to use it judiciously, avoiding overly formal contexts where it might sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mind your manners

Focuses more on immediate behavior adjustment.

be polite

A more general instruction to show politeness.

behave respectfully

Stresses showing respect through behavior.

act civilly

Emphasizes behaving in a courteous and respectful manner.

keep your composure

Emphasizes emotional control in addition to politeness.

exercise good behavior

Stresses the act of deliberately behaving well.

conduct yourself properly

Focuses on overall behavior and demeanor.

practice good etiquette

Highlights adherence to formal social customs.

remember your social graces

Highlights the use of refined and polite behavior.

show decorum

Implies a more formal and dignified manner.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain your manners" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain your manners" when reminding someone to behave politely, especially in formal or unfamiliar settings. For example, "It's important to "maintain your manners" during the interview to make a good impression."

What is a more casual way to say "maintain your manners"?

In less formal situations, you could say "mind your manners" or simply "be polite". These phrases are more relaxed and suitable for everyday conversation.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "maintain your manners"?

It's appropriate to use "maintain your manners" when someone's behavior is becoming inappropriate or disrespectful, particularly in settings where politeness is expected.

Are there situations where "maintain your manners" might sound too formal?

Yes, in very casual or intimate settings, telling someone to "maintain your manners" could sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Consider using a softer approach in those contexts.