mind your manners

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mind your manners" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a reminder for someone to be polite, or when giving advice to a friend. For example, you could say: "Remember to mind your manners when you meet your new in-laws for the first time!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Don't ignore your intuition, and mind your manners.

Harvard University

Actually this is Britain's best bartender, so if you want to get served, mind your manners.

The Guardian

"Go to Heaven, that's swell/ How you like your living in Hell?," he taunts in the punky "Mind Your Manners".

The New York Times - Arts

And not only should you mind your manners when tweeting but the act itself — a tweet, a follow, a LinkedIn recommendation — becomes socially mandated.

The New Yorker

Around the world, war and bloodshed and chaos begin because someone didn't have respect for someone else.'" Starling's first schoolyard fight came when she told a boy: "Mind your manners".

The Guardian

"Mind your manners!" "Use your wits!" "Wake up!" and other such heady exclamations remind us that we often serve as evolution's handmaidens, reacting rather than thinking, following a well-trodden rut rather than scything a new path through the undergrowth, wanting for little but craving nonstop.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I know your hatin' on us me) but mind your manner -Chiddy Bang" DO NOT BE AFRAID OF SOmanner -ChiddyT WHO THINKS SHE OWNS THE WORLD! !! Just walk around town like you own the place.

WikiHow

Making do, muddling through, carrying on, keeping your chin up, minding your manners - these are words to live by for this family (which also includes an exceptionally sullen 15-year-old daughter, memorably played by Ruby Bentall).

The New York Times

Here is the Classy Person's Guide to minding your manners while saving a buck from the folks at Behind the Burner and BlackboardEats.

Huffington Post

They're like playing scales or doing warm-up exercises, sending thank you notes and minding your manners: annoying and necessary, even when it's hard to see the long-term benefits.

HuffPost

If you believe you are in any sort of danger, leave immediately and don't worry about minding your manners in the process.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "mind your manners" when teaching children or newcomers about expected social conduct.

Common error

While "mind your manners" is widely understood, it might sound too informal or even condescending in professional or highly formal settings. Opt for phrases like "exercise professional conduct" or "maintain a respectful demeanor" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mind your manners" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or advising someone to behave politely and adhere to social norms. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it is used in diverse scenarios, from correcting behavior to giving general guidance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

33%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mind your manners" is a commonly used imperative phrase that advises or instructs someone to behave politely. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's important to note that while widely understood, its informal tone might not be suitable for all contexts; in those cases, alternatives like "exercise professional conduct" may be more appropriate. As illustrated by numerous examples, it's frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, and while it maintains a clear purpose—to encourage respectful conduct—it is crucial to remember its informal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remember your Ps and Qs

An idiomatic way of saying "mind your manners".

be polite

Focuses on the general act of being courteous.

practice good etiquette

Highlights adherence to formal rules of behavior.

show respect

Emphasizes demonstrating consideration for others.

behave appropriately

Focuses on acting in a suitable manner for the situation.

conduct yourself well

Highlights overall demeanor and behavior.

observe social graces

Emphasizes the use of polite customs.

act with courtesy

Stresses being thoughtful and considerate in actions.

keep a civil tongue

Focuses on using respectful language.

maintain decorum

Emphasizes maintaining dignified behavior.

FAQs

How do I use "mind your manners" in a sentence?

You can use "mind your manners" as a direct instruction to someone who is behaving rudely, or as general advice about being polite in social situations. For example, "Please mind your manners at the dinner table" or "It's important to mind your manners when you meet new people".

What can I say instead of "mind your manners"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be polite", "show respect", or "behave appropriately", depending on the context.

Is "mind your manners" formal or informal?

"Mind your manners" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, it's better to use phrases like "exercise professional conduct" or "maintain a respectful demeanor".

What's the difference between "mind your manners" and "remember your Ps and Qs"?

Both phrases encourage politeness, but "remember your Ps and Qs" is an idiom and might sound old-fashioned or quaint. "Mind your manners" is more direct and commonly used in contemporary English.