manners

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manners" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing behavior, etiquette, or social conduct, often in the context of politeness or respect. Example: "It's important to teach children good manners so they can interact positively with others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More often, friends say, the man with impeccable manners is "drawn to the fight".

The Guardian

Michael Irwin's The Skull and the Nightingale (HarperCollins) is a bold and witty appropriation of the conventions, style, and idiom of the 18th-century epistolary novel that brilliantly recreates the manners, modes of thought and conduct of the teeming world of London.

The Guardian - Books

I suspect a clown father would have better things on his mind than table manners.

The Guardian - Books

"In life, if you have an enthusiasm for what they call good manners, sometimes people don't quite believe you.

The Guardian - Film

Nighy gets his manners, and impeccable tailoring, from his father.

The Guardian - Film

The "make-up" of the three Cabinet ministers is as close an approximation as possible to the features, dress, and manners of the originals, and the fun of the thing consists partly in placing them in ridiculous situations, and partly in making them utter ludicrous exaggerations of the sentiments which they are supposed to profess or act upon in their public conduct.

The Guardian

You could tell from their accents and manners that these were not Parisians; they were kids from the banlieues – the poor suburbs to the north of Paris, connected to the city by the trains running into the Gare du Nord.

The Guardian

At the Sydney Writers' festival this week to talk not only about that book but participate in a session on humour, debauchery and manners, here's your chance to put a question to one of the most controversial and distinctive writers of our times.

The Guardian - Books

Giving evidence the previous day, Lord Rothermere, the Daily Mail owner, said it would be "bad manners" to discuss business openly on social occasions.

The Guardian - Opinion

No less an authority than Chris Hoy remarked on this in an interview for the Telegraph, saying that nothing winds him up more than bad manners on a bike.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is also an element of Carlyle’s having been in the right place at the right time – just when the pernicious old dichotomy between gritty proletarian realism and English middle-class manners was being replaced, for a whole range of reasons, with a much more productive inclusiveness.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "manners" when referring to etiquette and behavior in social situations, emphasizing politeness and respect.

Common error

Avoid using "manners" solely to describe superficial politeness. While important, true "manners" also encompass empathy, respect, and genuine consideration for others.

Linguistic Context

The word "manners" functions primarily as a noun, referring to socially acceptable behavior, etiquette, or customs. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showcasing its use in discussions about social conduct and etiquette.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manners" is a commonly used noun referring to socially acceptable behavior and etiquette. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to describe, evaluate, or advocate for specific social behaviors. While generally neutral in register, formality can increase based on context. It is crucial to understand the scope of "manners", ensuring discussions encompass more than superficial politeness. Being aware of these nuances will ensure effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

etiquette

Focuses specifically on the formal rules of behavior in society or in a particular group.

politeness

Directly refers to showing respect and consideration for others in one's behavior.

social graces

Highlights the refined and elegant aspects of social behavior.

good behavior

Emphasizes the ethical and moral dimensions of conduct, not just politeness.

proper conduct

Focuses on adhering to established standards of behavior in a given situation.

appropriate behavior

Focuses on acting in a way that is suitable or fitting for a particular context or situation.

decorum

Suggests a dignified and restrained approach to social interaction.

civility

Emphasizes politeness and respect in public discourse and interaction.

courtesy

Highlights politeness and thoughtfulness in dealing with others.

social skills

Broadly refers to the abilities needed to interact effectively in social situations.

FAQs

How can I use "manners" in a sentence?

"Manners" refers to socially correct behavior. For example, "Good "table manners" are essential during a formal dinner".

What's the difference between "manners" and "etiquette"?

"Manners" are general social behaviors, while "etiquette" refers to the formal rules of behavior considered correct in social settings or in a specific profession.

What are some examples of "manners" in the workplace?

Examples include being punctual, showing respect to colleagues, using polite language, and practicing good "email etiquette".

How do I teach good "manners" to children?

Model polite behavior, explain why certain behaviors are important, and consistently reinforce positive "social skills".