with deference

USAGE SUMMARY

"with deference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to show respect for someone else's opinion, or to indicate that you have taken into account someone else's perspective. For example, "With deference to his opinion, I disagree with the plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr Giuliani addresses such audiences with deference.

The Economist

The police treat him with deference.

The Economist

So far, Mr. Newsom has treated Mr. Brown with deference.

The New York Times

Ahmet was greeted with deference by ten or twenty people.

The New Yorker

Carson treats you with deference and genuine curiosity.

The New Yorker

There the leaders were treated with deference, the fascists hoping to gain support for the Axis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nadal acts with deference to older players and seemingly has a singular focus.

The New York Times - Sports

Captured by the Spanish, he was at first treated with deference.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With deference to The Wire, no television show was ever so instantly engrossing.

The Guardian

He is very nice and friendly and treated us with deference.

The Guardian

How are murder investigations conducted today with deference to these scientific considerations?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "with deference" can add a layer of sophistication and politeness, especially when addressing superiors or individuals with recognized authority.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "with deference" in casual conversations can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler expressions like "with respect" or "considering" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

"With deference" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It introduces a statement or opinion with a sense of respect and acknowledgement of another's position or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Academic

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with deference" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to express respect and politeness, particularly when introducing a contrasting opinion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to soften potential disagreement by acknowledging the authority or expertise of another party. While common in formal and professional contexts such as news reporting, encyclopedias, and business communications, overuse in informal settings may sound overly formal. Alternatives like "with respect" or "with regard" can be considered for less formal settings. The key takeaway is to use "with deference" judiciously to maintain a balance between politeness and naturalness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in deference to

More formal and directly synonymous, indicating yielding to someone's judgment or wishes.

with due respect

Signals politeness before disagreeing, softening potential offense.

with respect

Emphasizes a general feeling of high regard, similar to deference but can apply to a wider range of interactions.

respectfully

An adverb form that modifies a verb, indicating that something is done in a respectful manner.

with high regard

Similar to "with respect", but emphasizes the high level of esteem.

with regard

Indicates consideration or attention towards something or someone, akin to showing deference.

out of respect

Highlights the motivation behind an action, emphasizing that it's done due to respect for someone or something.

with consideration

Focuses on thoughtfulness and careful regard, which can be part of showing deference.

with courtesy

Stresses politeness and good manners, often associated with showing deference.

with reverence

Implies a deeper level of respect, almost worshipful, going beyond simple deference.

FAQs

How can I use "with deference" in a sentence?

You can use "with deference" to show respect when presenting a differing opinion, like "With deference to your experience, I believe a different approach might be more effective".

What are some alternatives to saying "with deference"?

Alternatives include "with respect", "with regard", or "in deference to", each carrying slightly different nuances of politeness and acknowledgement.

Is it better to use "with deference to" or simply "with deference"?

Both are correct, but "in deference to" is more formal and directly indicates yielding to someone's judgment or wishes, while "with deference" is a more general expression of respect.

When is it appropriate to use "with deference" in writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, or professional correspondence when you want to acknowledge someone's position or expertise while presenting an alternative viewpoint. Avoid overuse in informal contexts.