please be polite

USAGE SUMMARY

"please be polite" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as in a request, reminder, or instruction. For example, "Please be polite when speaking to others."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In short, please be polite to each other.

The Economist

And to appease Michael Hollitscher, who wrote into thunder: "Please be polite and refer the ref by his full name today".

The Guardian - Sport

Remember, please be polite.

WikiHow

Click the SEND button to issue your tweet Remember, please be polite.

WikiHow

If you do decide to email your MP, please be polite.

WikiHow

Each Subway store should have this chart available to the employees, but it is generally behind the counter (not in a public area) so please be polite and patient if making this request.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Using profanity, verbally attacking or insulting someone might give you a warning or even a temporary block - please be nice and polite.

WikiHow

The issue with that reasoning – aside from it being all too polite, please – is that I think we are seeing signs that Yahoo's mobile strategy is working, but not as well as the company, or perhaps we externally, had hoped or expected.

TechCrunch

Before going to pick him up from the airport, I told the Chinese student who was staying with us: "Please try to be polite and patient with this English man who must be in great pain and needs help".

The Guardian

From a shockingly early age, girls are coached to smile often (or constantly), please others, and be polite.

Huffington Post

Please remember to be polite while criticizing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making a request or giving instructions, use "please be polite" to set a positive tone and encourage respectful interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "please be polite" excessively, as it can come across as patronizing or insincere. Consider more specific and context-sensitive ways to encourage respectful behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please be polite" functions as an imperative request or a gentle command. It's used to encourage individuals to exhibit courteous behavior in their interactions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct phrase used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "please be polite" serves as a straightforward and generally well-received prompt for courteous behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile. Its function is to foster civility, especially in potentially tense interactions. While most commonly found in informal or neutral settings like wikis and news media, overusing the phrase may be perceived as condescending. Consider context-specific alternatives like "please be respectful" or focusing on the underlying attitude with "try to be considerate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindly be courteous

Substitutes "please" with "kindly" and "polite" with "courteous", resulting in a slightly more formal tone.

be respectful, please

Replaces "polite" with "respectful" and moves "please" to the end for emphasis.

remember your manners

Expresses the need for politeness indirectly through the reminder of general etiquette.

try to be considerate

Shifts the focus to the underlying attitude of consideration that leads to polite behavior.

let's be civil

Suggests maintaining a basic level of respectful interaction, especially in potentially contentious situations.

show some courtesy

Emphasizes the demonstration of politeness through actions.

act with decorum

Replaces "polite" with "decorum", focusing on proper and dignified behavior.

be on your best behavior

Implies a need for heightened politeness and adherence to social norms.

observe etiquette

Highlights the importance of following established rules of polite conduct.

mind your p's and q's

An idiomatic expression reminding someone to be careful and polite in their behavior.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "please be polite" to sound more formal?

In formal settings, consider alternatives like "I would appreciate your courtesy" or "Kindly maintain a respectful demeanor". These phrases convey the same message with a more professional tone.

What's a less direct way to ask someone to be polite?

Instead of directly saying "please be polite", you could say something like "Let's keep the discussion respectful" or "It's important to be considerate of others' perspectives".

Is it ever inappropriate to say "please be polite"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate in situations where politeness is already expected or implied, or when addressing someone who is in a position of authority. In such cases, the phrase might sound condescending.

What are some synonyms for "polite" that I can use instead of saying "please be polite"?

You can use alternatives such as "please be respectful", "please be considerate", or "please be courteous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.