polite thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "polite thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an action or behavior that is considered courteous or respectful in a given context. Example: "Offering your seat to an elderly person on the bus is a polite thing to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The polite thing.

The Guardian - Sport

That's the only polite thing to do, really.

The New York Times

So what is the polite thing to say?

The New York Times

When there's no space between people, the polite thing is not to push yourself in there.

The New Yorker

On one level this was the polite thing to do: guests first.

The New York Times - Arts

It seemed to me to be a polite thing to do".

The Guardian

"Nick definitely had the polite thing going on," Victor Lopes, a classmate, recalled.

The New Yorker

In his recent Booker acceptance speech, Julian Barnes did the usual polite thing of thanking his editors and his agent.

The Guardian - Books

"I wouldn't say it is not allowed, but it is not a very polite thing to do," she said.

The New York Times

It seemed the polite thing to, and I had to remind myself that it was my job not to look away.

The New York Times

"I did the polite thing and asked him to speak English, therefore he did and I can't repeat what he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When unsure of social expectations, observing others can help determine the "polite thing" to do in a given situation. This adaptive approach demonstrates respect and consideration.

Common error

While doing the "polite thing" is often valued, prioritize honesty and integrity when politeness conflicts with ethical considerations. Empty gestures can undermine genuine relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "polite thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. It denotes an action or behavior considered socially appropriate or courteous, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "polite thing" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe socially appropriate or courteous actions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its broad applicability across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings. While prioritizing politeness is generally valued, it's crucial to balance it with authenticity and ethical considerations. As highlighted by Ludwig examples, understanding the "polite thing" can significantly enhance social interactions and maintain harmony, but it is not an absolute rule.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courteous act

Focuses specifically on the action being courteous.

considerate gesture

Emphasizes the thoughtful nature of the action.

gracious deed

Highlights the elegance and kindness of the action.

civilized behavior

Suggests actions aligned with societal norms and respect.

good manners

Refers to adherence to etiquette and social customs.

appropriate conduct

Indicates behavior that aligns with expectations and norms.

decorous action

Highlights behavior that maintains dignity and propriety.

tactful approach

Emphasizes sensitivity and skill in handling a situation.

diplomatic move

Suggests careful and strategic action to maintain harmony.

well-mannered response

Highlights the presence of good manners and etiquette in the response.

FAQs

How can I use "polite thing" in a sentence?

The phrase "polite thing" is used to describe an action or behavior that is considered courteous or socially appropriate. For example, "Offering your seat to an elderly person is the "polite thing" to do".

What is another way to say "polite thing"?

Alternatives to "polite thing" include "courteous act", "considerate gesture", or "gracious deed" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to do the "polite thing"?

While doing the "polite thing" is generally encouraged to maintain social harmony, it is not always necessary or appropriate. In situations where it compromises your values or safety, it's acceptable to prioritize other considerations.

What's the difference between "polite thing" and "right thing"?

"Polite thing" refers to actions that adhere to social etiquette and customs, whereas "right thing" refers to actions that are morally or ethically correct. While they often overlap, they can sometimes conflict.