return the courtesy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return the courtesy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the idea of reciprocating a polite gesture or action that someone has shown you. Example: "After receiving her thoughtful gift, I felt it was only right to return the courtesy by sending her a thank-you note."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Alas, the gentleman did not return the courtesy".

The New York Times

Why can't service people return the courtesy by introducing themselves?

The Washington Post

If a girl said hi, she would say hi back, and if a girl was courteous Mami would return the courtesy.

The New Yorker

"Do you need to get that?" I ask, anticipating that if they do, they will get off pretty quickly to return the courtesy (and give me a little time to take some notes in the chart).

The New York Times - Health

Always reply If you request to meet someone and they send a personal response to say they won't be able to make it, return the courtesy with a reply rather than just moving straight on to the next person.

The Guardian - Travel

Do this without an agenda and see how they return the courtesy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I've learned to return the courtesies - to slow down and let a faster truck overtake a slower one on an uphill stretch in front of me, for example.

The New York Times - Travel

They drank to Barnum's health, and he returned the courtesy.

The New York Times

Both men spoke pleasantly enough to me, however, and I returned the courtesy.

The Guardian

Doing his best to be diplomatic, Thrun in late May called his association with Stanford “fantastic.” Computer science department chair Jennifer Widom returned the courtesy, declaring herself “a big fan of Sebastian.” Still, tensions exist.

Forbes

The Pope returns the courtesy by attending major Muslim celebrations such as the Feast at the end of the fasting during Ramadan.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "return the courtesy" when you want to express that you are reciprocating a kind or polite action. It implies a sense of obligation or social expectation to respond in a similar way.

Common error

Avoid using "return the courtesy" when the situation doesn't involve a direct, reciprocal action. It's not simply about being nice; it's about responding to a specific act of courtesy with a similar one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return the courtesy" functions as a verbal expression indicating a reciprocal action. It is used to describe the act of reciprocating a polite or kind gesture, suggesting a sense of social obligation or willingness to respond in a similar manner. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "return the courtesy" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to indicate the act of reciprocating a polite or kind gesture. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and holds a neutral register, making it suitable for various situations. While not extremely frequent, it is recognized and used across different source types. Related phrases include "reciprocate the gesture" and "return the favor". When using this phrase, ensure the context involves a direct, reciprocal action to avoid misuse. "Return the courtesy" implies a social expectation to respond in kind, contributing to positive social interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocate the politeness

Emphasizes the act of responding to politeness with equal politeness.

reciprocate the gesture

Focuses specifically on reciprocating a gesture, which may be non-verbal.

return the favor

Suggests a more specific act of returning a kindness or service.

reciprocate the kindness

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of returning a kind act.

give back the respect

Highlights the act of returning respect that was shown.

do the same for someone

A more general way of expressing reciprocal action.

act in kind

Suggests behaving in a similar manner as someone else.

mirror the action

Implies copying someone's action in return.

respond in kind

Focuses on the manner of response being similar.

repay the compliment

Specifically refers to returning a compliment that was given.

FAQs

How can I use "return the courtesy" in a sentence?

You can use "return the courtesy" to describe reciprocating a polite or kind gesture. For example: "After she helped me with my project, I wanted to return the courtesy by assisting her with hers."

What does "return the courtesy" mean?

"Return the courtesy" means to reciprocate a polite or kind act. It implies a sense of obligation or willingness to respond in a similar manner.

What are some alternative phrases for "return the courtesy"?

Alternatives include "reciprocate the gesture", "return the favor", or "reciprocate the kindness", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to "return the courtesy"?

While not always strictly necessary, "returning the courtesy" is often seen as a polite and socially appropriate response. It helps maintain positive relationships and fosters goodwill.