out of courtesy

USAGE SUMMARY

"out of courtesy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which someone does something out of politeness and respect, rather than obligation or demand. For example, "The host served extra appetizers out of courtesy, even though everyone was already full."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Coach Scott Johnson has admitted he has held talks with Wales centre Gavin Henson over a possible return to the Ospreys "out of courtesy".

BBC

Even if you've only invited them out of courtesy and hope they won't come, don't rob them of the opportunity.

WikiHow

I only pay you out of courtesy.

The New Yorker

I won't do it in the house, out of courtesy.

The New Yorker

It's just kind of the unwritten rules, out of courtesy".

The New York Times

Traditionally the host anthem is played first out of courtesy.

The New York Times - Arts

But out of courtesy, she called Ms. Underwood back.

The New York Times

When he mentioned the Knicks, it was mostly out of courtesy, an obligatory nod.

The New York Times - Sports

Many Giuliani backers withheld donations to Mr. McCain out of courtesy until Mr. Giuliani officially withdrew.

The New York Times

Too often internal interviews are done out of courtesy or because of protocol.

Harvard Business Review

Out of courtesy to his fellow billionaire hedge fund manager, Mr. Cohen called Raj to break the news.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal correspondence, consider using "out of courtesy" to explain why you are providing information or taking an action, especially when it's not strictly required.

Common error

Avoid using "out of courtesy" when the action is a mandatory requirement or a legal obligation. This phrase implies voluntary politeness, not compulsory duty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of courtesy" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to explain the reason or motive behind an action. It indicates that something is done as a polite gesture, rather than due to necessity or obligation, as Ludwig's AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "out of courtesy" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to explain that an action is performed as a polite gesture or to show respect. Ludwig's AI confirms that this phrase is suitable for use in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in wiki and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the action is indeed voluntary and driven by politeness, rather than a mandatory obligation. Consider alternatives such as "to be polite" or "to show respect" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be polite

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning of politeness.

as a polite gesture

Focuses on the act being a gesture of politeness.

to show respect

Directly indicates the act of showing respect.

as a matter of respect

Emphasizes the aspect of showing respect.

as a kindness

Focuses on the act being a demonstration of kindness.

by way of respect

Emphasizes the manner in which respect is conveyed.

as a sign of goodwill

Highlights the intention of showing goodwill.

as a favor

Suggests the action is done as a helpful gesture.

from a sense of decorum

Highlights adherence to social norms and etiquette.

for politeness's sake

Highlights that the action is done for the sake of being polite.

FAQs

How can I use "out of courtesy" in a sentence?

You can use "out of courtesy" to explain why you are doing something politely, such as "I informed them "out of courtesy", even though I wasn't required to."

What phrases are similar to "out of courtesy"?

Similar phrases include "as a polite gesture", "to show respect", and "as a sign of goodwill". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "out of courtesy" in formal writing?

Yes, "out of courtesy" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to explain that an action is being taken as a polite gesture. It can add a touch of thoughtfulness to your writing.

What's the difference between "out of courtesy" and "out of obligation"?

"Out of courtesy" implies a voluntary action taken to be polite or respectful, whereas "out of obligation" means an action is performed because it is a duty or requirement.