very polite

USAGE SUMMARY

"very polite" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's behavior or mannerisms as extremely courteous and respectful. For example: "The young boy was praised by his teacher for being very polite and always saying 'please' and 'thank you'." In this sentence, "very polite" is used to describe the boy's behavior as exceptionally courteous. It can also be used in a similar way to describe a specific action or gesture: "After receiving a large tip, the waitress gave a very polite bow and thanked the customer with a warm smile." In this example, "very polite" is used to describe the waitress's bow as gracious and respectful.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Very polite.

The New York Times - Arts

People are very polite.

Cornell University

"She is very polite.

The New Yorker

He was very polite.

The New Yorker

They are very polite.

The New York Times

"He's very polite.

The New York Times

They're all very polite".

The New Yorker

He's also very polite.

The Guardian - Film

Americans are very polite.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is very polite.

The New Yorker

Nintendo were very polite.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very polite" to describe someone's consistent behavior, rather than an isolated incident. This emphasizes a habitual characteristic of courtesy.

Common error

In formal writing, consider stronger synonyms like "extremely courteous" or "highly respectful" for a more impactful and nuanced description of politeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very polite" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the degree of politeness exhibited by the subject. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in characterizing individuals and their interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very polite" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a high degree of courtesy and respect. Ludwig AI confirms that it's suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in specific settings. It's frequently found in news and media sources, showcasing its broad applicability. Understanding its function and nuances can help writers use it effectively to convey approval or admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely courteous

Replaces "polite" with a stronger synonym, "courteous", and "very" with "extremely" to intensify the degree of politeness.

highly respectful

Shifts the focus from politeness to respectfulness, implying a deeper level of consideration for others.

exceptionally well-mannered

Uses "well-mannered" as a synonym for "polite" and "exceptionally" to emphasize the high degree of good manners.

remarkably civil

Emphasizes the civility and decorum of the behavior, suggesting a formal or social setting.

incredibly gracious

Highlights the grace and elegance of the politeness, suggesting a refined and sophisticated demeanor.

exceedingly considerate

Focuses on the thoughtfulness and empathy behind the polite behavior.

demonstrates great decorum

Shifts from direct description to highlighting the presence of decorum, indicating adherence to social norms.

displays impeccable etiquette

Emphasizes adherence to rules of etiquette, suggesting formal politeness.

shows utmost respect

Highlights respect as the primary attribute, rather than general politeness.

exemplifies refined manners

Focuses on the elegance and sophistication of the manners, suggesting a cultivated upbringing.

FAQs

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

You can use "very polite" to describe someone's behavior or actions. For example, "The student was "very polite" when asking for help from the teacher."

What are some alternatives to saying "very polite"?

Alternatives include "extremely courteous", "highly respectful", or "exceptionally well-mannered", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "very polite" or "extremely polite"?

"Extremely polite" intensifies the degree of politeness more than "very polite". The choice depends on how strongly you want to emphasize the person's courtesy. Both are grammatically correct.

What does it mean when someone is described as "very polite"?

It indicates that the person consistently demonstrates a high level of courtesy, respect, and good manners in their interactions with others.