more courteous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more courteous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level of politeness or consideration between two or more subjects. Example: "In this situation, it would be more courteous to ask for permission before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People were more courteous," Mr. Daubek said.

The New York Times

Some are more courteous, some not.

The Washington Post

I want to make our collaborations more fertile, more courteous.

The Guardian

Mr Netanyahu, though more courteous than before, is still wobbly under pressure.

The Economist

They're often more courteous and less irritable than the older ones.

The New York Times

Poitier was always "like us", while being in indefinable ways better: more courteous, more courageous.

The Guardian - Film

"People at small mountains are more courteous and look out for each other.

The New York Times

My friends and I are more mature now, and a lot more courteous.

The New York Times

The new officers have proved far more courteous and honest, officials and motorists say.

The New York Times

The idea that we were once more courteous and less obscene is a fiction.

The New Yorker

Trump has not completely kept to his new, more courteous script.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing feedback, phrase your suggestions using "more courteous" to soften the criticism and encourage a positive change in communication style.

Common error

Being "more courteous" doesn't mean sacrificing assertiveness or directness. It's about conveying your message respectfully, even when delivering difficult news or setting boundaries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more courteous" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a greater degree of courtesy. As Ludwig highlights, it is commonly used to describe improvements in behavior or suggest more polite ways of interacting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more courteous" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express a higher degree of politeness or respect. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it is applicable in various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. When aiming for improvement or suggesting a better way of behaving, "more courteous" serves as a clear and effective descriptor. Remember that being "more courteous" doesn't imply weakness, but rather a skillful way of conveying messages respectfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more polite

Replaces "courteous" with a more general term for good manners.

more respectful

Shifts the focus to showing deference and esteem.

more well-mannered

Directly refers to having good etiquette and social skills.

more gracious

Suggests an added element of kindness and generosity in behavior.

more considerate

Highlights thoughtfulness and concern for others' feelings.

more civil

Emphasizes adherence to societal norms of behavior.

more refined

Indicates a higher level of social sophistication and good manners.

more tactful

Focuses on avoiding offense and maintaining harmony.

more diplomatic

Suggests skill in handling sensitive situations with grace and finesse.

more urbane

Implies a sophisticated and worldly politeness.

FAQs

How can I use "more courteous" in a sentence?

You can use "more courteous" to describe an improvement in someone's behavior or to suggest a way to interact with others. For example, "The new staff members are much "more courteous" than the previous ones" or "It would be "more courteous" to ask before borrowing someone's belongings."

What are some alternatives to using "more courteous"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives such as "more polite", "more respectful", or "more considerate".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "more courteous"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "more courteous" when you want to indicate that someone or something is exhibiting a higher degree of politeness, respect, or good manners than previously or compared to someone/something else.

What is the difference between "more courteous" and "more friendly"?

"More courteous" implies politeness and good manners, while "more friendly" suggests warmth and sociability. Someone can be courteous without being overly friendly, and vice versa.