to be courteous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be courteous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of politeness or respectful behavior in various contexts, such as communication or social interactions. Example: "In professional settings, it is essential to be courteous to colleagues and clients to foster a positive work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And the preshow announcements beseeching us to be courteous?

The New York Times

I was taught to be courteous to people in public.

The New York Times

Officers were trained to be courteous and thorough.

The Guardian

Both could claim to be courteous, amiable and nice-looking.

The New York Times - Style

Now we say hi in passing to be courteous.

The New Yorker

"It's less about being controlling and more about reminding people to be courteous".

The New York Times

They said they tried to educate their students to be courteous.

The New York Times

Remember to be courteous -- you are not the only one on the road".

The New York Times

"Changed my mind?" "I was only trying to be courteous, neighborly.

The New Yorker

It's the duty of every advocate to be courteous but fearless.

The Guardian

If anything, the inmates took pains to be courteous around her, even scolding others who spit or swore.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing emails, always aim "to be courteous" in your tone, even when addressing difficult issues. This can help maintain a positive relationship with the recipient.

Common error

Don't mistake "to be courteous" with being subservient. It's important to maintain your professional boundaries while still being polite and respectful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be courteous" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express a goal, intention, or a necessary action. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from professional expectations to general guidelines for behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Science & Research

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be courteous" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that emphasizes the importance of politeness and respect in interactions. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to formal business settings, highlighting its broad applicability. Remember, while it's essential "to be courteous", it's equally important to maintain boundaries and avoid mistaking courtesy for subservience. Consider using alternatives like "to be polite" or "to be respectful" based on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be polite

A more direct and general way of expressing courteous behavior.

to act respectfully

Focuses on demonstrating respect through actions.

to treat with respect

Focuses on the act of treating someone in a respectful manner.

to show consideration

Emphasizes thoughtfulness and awareness of others' needs.

to be gracious

Implies kindness and elegance in interactions.

to practice good manners

Highlights the adherence to social etiquette.

to exercise civility

Implies a more formal and public demonstration of politeness.

to be thoughtful

Focuses on the mental aspect of considering others' feelings.

to display good etiquette

Highlights proper behavior in social or professional settings.

to conduct oneself properly

Stresses overall appropriate behavior and demeanor.

FAQs

How can I use "to be courteous" in a sentence?

You can use "to be courteous" to describe the act of showing politeness and respect in interactions. For instance, "It's important "to be polite" to everyone you meet."

What does it mean "to be courteous"?

To "to be courteous" means "to be polite", respectful, and considerate in your interactions with others. It involves showing good manners and treating people with kindness.

Which is the difference between "to be courteous" and "to be respectful"?

"To be courteous" generally involves showing politeness and good manners, while "to be respectful" involves recognizing and honoring someone's worth, opinions, or beliefs. While they often overlap, respect goes deeper than mere politeness.

What can I say instead of "to be courteous"?

Alternatives to "to be courteous" include phrases like "to be polite", "to be respectful", "to be considerate", or "to be gracious". The best choice depends on the specific context.