respect someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "respect someone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing admiration or regard for another person, often in contexts discussing behavior or attitudes. Example: "It is important to respect someone’s opinions, even if you disagree with them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They don't even respect someone if they have an accent.

The Guardian

"Boxing is about respect," someone says — respect wrung from endless curdled jokes.

The New Yorker

How can I respect someone like Lamont Peterson now, when he didn't respect my life?

The Guardian - Sport

You'd think a conservative would respect someone who has made upward of $400 million with just a high school degree.

The Washington Post

OK, you may grudgingly respect someone who changes their favourite biscuit brand in the name of health.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Someone they could look up to and respect; someone who would impact their lives in a positive way.

The Guardian - Opinion

I really respect someone who can go downhill and beat me by two seconds when I've reached my limit.

The Guardian - Sport

I would respect someone who defended him but not anyone who preferred the also-rans Tomma Abts or Phil Collins.

The Guardian

Building something out of words, an intensely personal medium – something for someone you respect, someone for whom you care – that's both a pleasure and a properly testing exercise.

The Guardian - Books

While Mr. Romney's recent foreign trip drew jeers from his critics, Ms. Jameson hailed his performance: "I respect someone who opens their mouth without thinking".

The New Yorker

"That was one thing he did respect – someone who believed enough in their own ideas to speak for him, not just shut up and be shy around him," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "respect someone", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the respect, such as their achievements, character, or position.

Common error

Avoid assuming that respecting someone means agreeing with their views. You can "respect someone"'s right to an opinion without endorsing the opinion itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "respect someone" functions as a verb phrase, where "respect" is the transitive verb and "someone" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, indicating its grammatical correctness and acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "respect someone" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that expresses regard, admiration, or esteem for another individual. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's acceptable across a range of contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, it's important to differentiate between respecting someone and agreeing with them. The best way to "respect someone" is through active listening, valuing opinions, treating them with courtesy, and acknowledging their inherent worth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hold someone in high esteem

Indicates a very high level of respect and admiration.

Esteem someone

Implies a high level of respect and admiration, often in a formal context.

Have regard for someone

Emphasizes consideration and thoughtfulness towards someone.

Think highly of someone

Indicates a positive and respectful opinion of someone.

Honor someone

Suggests a formal and profound respect for someone.

Look up to someone

Highlights admiration and the act of viewing someone as a role model.

Admire someone

Highlights the feeling of appreciation and approval towards someone.

Appreciate someone

Emphasizes gratitude and recognition of someone's worth.

Value someone's opinion

Focuses on respecting someone's thoughts and perspectives.

Revere someone

Conveys a sense of deep respect and admiration, almost to the point of worship.

FAQs

What does it mean to "respect someone"?

To "respect someone" means to have regard for their feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions. It implies acknowledging their inherent worth and treating them with consideration.

How do you show that you "respect someone"?

You can show that you "respect someone" through your actions, such as listening attentively, valuing their opinions, and treating them with courtesy and consideration.

What's the difference between "respect someone" and "admire someone"?

"Respect someone" implies acknowledging their worth and treating them with consideration, while "admire someone" suggests a feeling of approval and appreciation for their qualities or achievements. You can respect someone without necessarily admiring them, and vice versa.

Is it always necessary to "respect someone"?

While it may not always be easy or possible to agree with or like everyone, showing basic human decency and respect is generally considered a fundamental aspect of ethical and social behavior. Even if you don't agree with someone's views, you can still "respect someone"'s right to hold those views.