mutual courtesy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutual courtesy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties show respect and politeness towards each other. Example: "In a professional environment, mutual courtesy is essential for fostering a positive workplace culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It assumes that this great mutual courtesy will bear its best fruit if we respect, educate, inform, and trust one another.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They're not quite mating dances; they're more like strenuously casual preinterviews for a first date, full of mutual courtesies designed to prevent any hurt feelings.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Image: A caricature of Charles Dickens by Alfred Bryan (1852-1899) superimponed on an autograph manuscript of "Our Mutual Friend," courtesy of the Morgan Library and Museum).

The New Yorker

Now he is hoping to ramp up the business for a new mutual fund era, courtesy of the bull market and Mr. Spitzer.

The New York Times

A public atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy wouldn't resolve all of our social and cultural differences, but it would make them easier to negotiate.

Los Angeles Times

This grassroots effort aims to make Akron famous – not just for being the home of LeBron James, Alcoholics Anonymous, and the rubber industry – but for a culture of mutual respect and courtesy.

Huffington Post

There is a difference between rights, which can be protected under the law, and courtesies, the mutual respect and common decency that neighbors owe to one another.

HuffPost

Today's rubbernecking comes courtesy of Felix Salmon Comparing Old Mutual's share price in London and Harare, Josh Giersch concludes that there are now 35 billion Zimbabwean dollars to one US dollar - up from a mere 17 billion on Friday.

The Economist

But it wasn't just the drugs Fake Accent just had the most undeniable vibe, fostered foremost by a celebration of queer and trans people of color, mutual respect, and unrelenting sound courtesy of Chino; Fake Accent's Tygapaw, DJ Kala, and Night Doll; KUNQ king False Witness; Qweenbeat's baddest, LSDXOXO; and a blistering b2b set by DJ Haram and Mhysa.

Vice

Fake Accent had a vibe unlike anything I had ever experienced, fostered foremost by a celebration of queer and trans people of color, mutual respect, and unrelenting sound courtesy of Chino; Fake Accent's Tygapaw, DJ Kala, and Night Doll; KUNQ king False Witness; Qweenbeat's baddest, LSDXOXO; and a blistering b2b set by DJ Haram and Mhysa.

Vice

What television viewers of a certain age don't have an image stuck in their heads of a big cat chasing a wildebeest, courtesy of the original "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom"?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mutual courtesy" to set the tone of your writing in reports or articles regarding workplace or politics for greater positive engagement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that demonstrating "mutual courtesy" implies complete agreement on all issues; it simply means maintaining respectful communication even when differing opinions exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutual courtesy" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object to describe reciprocal politeness and respect. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase implies an exchange of respectful behavior.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Science

25%

Reference

23%

Encyclopedias

21%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mutual courtesy" is a noun phrase denoting reciprocal politeness and respect. It is grammatically correct but relatively rare, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it finds primary usage in news, business, and academic contexts. For alternatives, consider "reciprocal respect" or "shared politeness". When using the phrase, ensure that you are accurately portraying an exchange of politeness, not merely politeness in isolation. Always be mindful that "mutual courtesy" does not equate to agreement. Remember that demonstrating "mutual courtesy" is important in building and sustaining positive relationships, whether personal or professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocal respect

Emphasizes the give-and-take nature of respect between parties.

shared politeness

Highlights the politeness that is experienced collectively.

common civility

Focuses on the shared civil behavior between individuals or groups.

joint consideration

Suggests a shared thoughtfulness and attentiveness to others.

collaborative respect

Highlights the aspect of working together with mutual respect.

two-way respect

Stresses the reciprocal nature of respect from both sides.

give-and-take

An idiomatic expression that signifies a reciprocal exchange of respect or understanding.

shared goodwill

Focuses on positive feelings and intentions that are mutually expressed.

interpersonal harmony

Highlights the positive, balanced relationship built on mutual respect.

community spirit

Relates to how this attitude is practiced in social interactions in neighborhoods, cities, and/or countries.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate "mutual courtesy" in a professional setting?

Demonstrate "mutual courtesy" by actively listening to colleagues, acknowledging their contributions, and communicating respectfully, even when disagreeing. This fosters a positive and collaborative work environment.

What are some alternatives to "mutual courtesy"?

You can use alternatives like "reciprocal respect", "shared politeness", or "common civility" depending on the context.

Why is "mutual courtesy" important in negotiations?

"Mutual courtesy" is important because it helps build trust and rapport between parties, facilitating open communication and increasing the likelihood of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.

How does "mutual courtesy" differ from simply being polite?

While politeness generally refers to showing good manners, "mutual courtesy" implies a reciprocal exchange of respectful behavior and consideration between individuals or groups, indicating a deeper level of engagement and understanding.