Just before midnight, a woman controller came on watch and introduced herself with the usual pleasantries.

"I wanted to ask you a question," he said after the usual pleasantries.

They avoided the usual pleasantries that accompany a young death.

The usual pleasantries were exchanged in front of the official photographer, and then it was time to talk business.

They went through a few of the usual pleasantries which must precede any important matter.

It took the better part of an hour to finish the meal, complete the usual pleasantries, and prepare to leave.

It was a promise rather than the usual social pleasantry.

There were the usual end-of-match pleasantries, then the two men walked off together.

Without any of his usual pleasantries he started for the door.

After they exchanged the usual pleasantries, the conversation turned to the events of Sept. 11.