courtesy of

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Given or provided by someone, often as a kind favor or gift.

   Grammar: Comes after a noun: 'a gift courtesy of the hotel.'

   Patterns

   • something courtesy of someone
   • courtesy of someone

   The refreshments at the meeting were courtesy of the sales team.

   She got a free upgrade, courtesy of the airline.

   This photo is courtesy of the local museum.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasehumorous

   Used to say that something is caused by or results from something, often humorously.

   Grammar: Often used ironically to blame something for a bad result: 'a mess, courtesy of the dog.'

   Patterns

   • something courtesy of something
   • courtesy of something

   We had a long delay, courtesy of the heavy snow.

   He arrived with a headache, courtesy of the party the night before.

Common combinations

courtesy of the management

The free drinks are courtesy of the management.

a photo courtesy of someone

Here is a photo courtesy of my sister.

courtesy of the weather

The game was canceled, courtesy of the weather.

Synonyms and how they differ

thanks to

Similar in meaning, but 'thanks to' usually suggests a good result and is more common in writing.

provided by

More neutral and formal; it does not carry the friendly or ironic tone of 'courtesy of'.

Commonly confused: courtesy of or courteous?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “courtesy of”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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