to be polite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be polite" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing behavior or manners that are considerate and respectful towards others. Example: "It's important to be polite when addressing your colleagues in a professional setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had to be polite.

The New York Times

To be polite".

The Guardian

"Try to be polite," Mr. Gréau shouted.

The New York Times - Arts

To be polite, Polina answered his questions.

The New Yorker

"I wanted the attitude to be polite.

The New York Times

I like to be polite.

The Guardian - Books

We're supposed to be polite to people".

The New York Times

Nobody pulls any punches to be polite.

Harvard Business Review

They don't even pretend to be polite.

The New York Times

Have a coffee to be polite though.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was older, and I wanted to be polite.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be polite" when you want to emphasize the importance of showing respect and consideration in social interactions. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to be polite" as an excuse to remain silent or inactive when addressing critical issues. True politeness should not compromise honesty or the expression of necessary opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be polite" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to express purpose or reason. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing how it modifies verbs by indicating the intention behind an action. It describes why someone is performing an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be polite" is a common and grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to express the intention of acting with consideration and good manners. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various sources, with a leaning towards news, media and wiki content. While it's generally appropriate to "to be civil", it's crucial to balance politeness with honesty and directness when necessary. Remember, politeness should enhance communication, not hinder it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to show courtesy

Focuses on demonstrating respectful behavior in interactions.

to act respectfully

Emphasizes acting in a way that shows consideration and deference.

to exercise good manners

Highlights the use of established social etiquette.

to display civility

Stresses maintaining a baseline level of respectful conduct in public interactions.

to be considerate

Emphasizes thinking about the needs and feelings of others.

to practice etiquette

Focuses on conforming to rules of acceptable behavior.

to be gracious

Implies elegance and generosity in interactions.

to mind your manners

Informal way of advising someone to behave politely.

to be well-mannered

Describes possessing good social graces and etiquette.

to conduct oneself appropriately

Suggests behaving in a way that is suitable for the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be polite" to describe actions or intentions related to showing respect and good manners, such as "It is important "to be polite" when meeting someone for the first time" or "She tried "to be polite", even though she disagreed with his views".

What are some alternatives to saying "to be polite"?

Instead of "to be polite", you could use phrases like "to show courtesy", "to act respectfully", or "to exercise good manners" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "to be polite" and "to be respectful"?

While both involve showing consideration for others, "to be polite" often refers to adhering to social etiquette and manners, whereas "to be respectful" implies showing deference and acknowledging someone's worth or position. You can "to be polite" without necessarily being respectful, and vice versa.

When is it not appropriate "to be polite"?

While politeness is generally valued, there are situations where it might be necessary to prioritize directness or assertiveness over being overly polite, such as when addressing safety concerns, or standing up against injustice. However, even in such cases, one can still strive "to be civil" and "to be respectful".