mind your language

USAGE SUMMARY

"mind your language" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
You can use this phrase as a reminder to be polite or to avoid using offensive language. For example, if you see someone writing something offensive on a social media platform, you could comment with, "Mind your language, please."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"On the side of your buccan-'ead, and mind your language," simpers the fairy queen.

Independent

1. Mind Your Language Having recently seen a re-run of this series on cable TV, I am baffled as to why we roared with laughter back then.

The Guardian

Sources say the lessons they have drawn from Canada are threefold: first, that "showing up" at community events matters; second, that it is imperative to engage heavily with specialist minority media; and third, to mind your language.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most of the manufacturing has to be done in factories that the British companies build or acquire over there.In this section Fallout The price of war The war dividend PFInancial services Bends v curves Time is money Regime change required (Never) mind your language ReprintsThere are clear reasons for this westward migration.

The Economist

Almost 500 PFI projects have been signed in Britain; nowhere else yet comes close.In this section Fallout The price of war The war dividend PFInancial services Bends v curves Time is money Regime change required (Never) mind your language ReprintsBut the PFI is not universally loved in its country of origin.

The Economist

Angels are not vulgar, so mind your language.

WikiHow

*Mirror: I forgive my mate Lee MIND YOUR LANGUAGE Recipients of the pure-as-the-driven-snow Wrap will be happy to hear that council tenants on one estate near Brighton will soon be able to live in the sort of expletive-free wonderland that we have created here (admittedly with the help of tiresome, nannyish software packages).

The Guardian

For more on spelling and grammar, see Mind Your Language.

The Guardian

GaryNunn is a regular contributor to Mind your language.

The Guardian

Mind your language – or someone will mind it for you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

More recently, the same phrase left a roomful of journalists stone-cold when used by another manager, Mind Your Language-style, a couple of years back – about something as bog-standard as another team winning a couple of matches to creep up the table – apparently oblivious to the startled expressions and shuffling of feet in front of him.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "mind your language" to create a humorous or ironic effect, especially if the character using the phrase is usually proper.

Common error

Avoid using "mind your language" in extremely formal or academic writing. Although grammatically correct, it leans towards informal and may be considered too direct for some contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mind your language" functions primarily as an imperative, directly instructing someone to be more cautious and appropriate in their choice of words. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from theatrical performances to everyday conversations, reinforcing its directive nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Science

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mind your language" is a common and grammatically correct imperative phrase used to advise someone to be more careful and appropriate with their word choice. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media, wiki, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and formality level when using it, as it can be perceived as too direct in certain situations. For less confrontational alternatives, phrases like "be careful with your words" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watch your mouth

This is a more direct and less formal way of telling someone to be careful about what they say.

be careful with your words

Focuses on the careful selection of words to avoid offense or misinterpretation.

choose your words wisely

Emphasizes the importance of making thoughtful language choices.

refrain from using inappropriate language

This is a more formal and polite request to avoid offensive words.

control your tongue

Implies restraining oneself from saying something impulsive or rude.

tone it down

Asks someone to reduce the intensity or offensiveness of their language.

clean up your act

A broader request to improve one's behavior, including language.

be civil

A call to maintain a basic level of politeness and respect in speech.

modulate your expression

Focuses on adjusting the way something is expressed.

avoid offensive terms

This alternative is specifically about preventing any type of offensive terms in someone's language.

FAQs

What does "mind your language" mean?

The phrase "mind your language" is an imperative, telling someone to be careful about the words they use, especially to avoid offensive or inappropriate language.

Is "mind your language" a polite way to correct someone?

While "mind your language" is direct, it can be considered polite depending on your tone and the context. Alternatives like "be careful with your words" or "choose your words wisely" may be softer.

When is it appropriate to say "mind your language"?

It's appropriate when someone is using offensive, inappropriate, or disrespectful language and you want them to stop. Be mindful of the social context; it may not be suitable in all situations.

Are there less confrontational alternatives to "mind your language"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "please watch your mouth", or "could you rephrase that" to address someone's language without being overly direct.