'Manner' is the way something is done or social behaviour; 'manor' is a large country house or estate.
Noun. The way in which something is done or happens. In plural, polite or appropriate social behaviour.
She handled the difficult situation in a very professional manner.
In what manner should the report be formatted?
Good table manners are still considered important in business settings.
Noun. A large country house with surrounding land. In medieval history, the basic unit of feudal land ownership.
The company retreat was held at a historic manor in the countryside.
The manor house dates back to the fourteenth century.
They converted the old manor into a luxury hotel.
Common mistake
Confusing them: "They stayed in a beautiful manner" when describing a country estate (correct: manor). Or "He acted in the manor of an expert" (correct: manner).
Trick to remember it
'Manner' ends in ER like 'behavior' and 'character' — things about how people act. 'Manor' ends in OR like 'floor' and 'outdoor' — things related to buildings and spaces.
Quick rule
Is it the way of doing something or social behaviour? 'Manner'. Is it the large country house or estate? 'Manor'.
Did you know?
The phrase 'born to the manor' (accustomed to wealth and privilege) is actually a misquotation of Shakespeare's Hamlet: 'to the manner born' (accustomed from birth to a custom). The 'manor' spelling became so widespread that it is now treated as a separate idiom meaning born into aristocratic wealth — a spelling mistake that achieved legitimacy.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The wedding reception was held at a stunning Georgian _____ in the Surrey hills.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
Please ensure all client communications are conducted in a professional _____.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it the way of doing something or social behaviour? 'Manner'. Is it the large country house or estate? 'Manor'.
Confusing them: "They stayed in a beautiful manner" when describing a country estate (correct: manor). Or "He acted in the manor of an expert" (correct: manner).
'Manner' ends in ER like 'behavior' and 'character' — things about how people act. 'Manor' ends in OR like 'floor' and 'outdoor' — things related to buildings and spaces.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy