a bit of goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bit of goodwill" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a small amount of good intentions or kindness. Example: "He was able to mend their relationship with just a bit of goodwill and a sincere apology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It may well be in a mood for showing a bit of goodwill.

The Economist

There is no obvious compromise that should and could have been reached with just a bit of goodwill.

Independent

So many plays rely on a general inertia and a bit of goodwill; you think, come on, raise my curiosity, give me a question I want to answer.

The Economist

And that, much more than a bit of goodwill impairment, is dangerous.

TechCrunch

Following his woeful "jerk rice" product rollout, Jamie's rightfully on thin ice in the world of social media – he should be eternally grateful to the nonnas for grabbing him back a bit of goodwill here.

Vice

It was winter wear for springtime, and maybe a bit of Goodwill chic.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Framed art looks the most professional, and if you're willing to do a bit of crafting, Goodwill frames can be cheap and easy to repurpose.

Vice

Back in 2013, I'd travelled to Syria and found a couple packs of Marlboro Reds earned me a handy bit of goodwill, so this time I grabbed a carton at duty free.

Vice

A little bit of goodwill toward fans can go a long way, and this was especially true for Newton and one little boy on Sunday. .

Huffington Post

Welsh is still a target of ridicule, but Rockstar ended up with quite a bit of positive publicity and goodwill.

Huffington Post

Goodwill is a bit of an accounting "cheat" - it's the difference between the "book value" of an acquired company and what was paid for it.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit of goodwill" when you want to emphasize that even a small amount of positive intention or action can make a difference.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit of goodwill" when a substantial effort or significant change is truly required. It's most effective when acknowledging a small, but meaningful, gesture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of goodwill" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit of goodwill" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the value of even small acts of kindness or positive intent. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in English writing. While not overly frequent, it appears across various contexts, primarily in news and media. The phrase's neutral register makes it versatile for diverse communication needs. It’s crucial to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the context aligns with a genuine, albeit small, gesture. Remember, while “a bit of goodwill” is valuable, avoid overstating its impact when larger, more substantial actions are needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of kindness

Focuses on the kindness aspect, emphasizing a small amount.

a measure of generosity

Highlights the generosity involved, suggesting a limited quantity.

a small act of grace

Emphasizes the positive and benevolent nature of the act, albeit small.

a gesture of conciliation

Highlights the intent to reconcile or appease through a small action.

a token of amity

Focuses on expressing friendship or peaceful relations in a minor way.

a spark of benevolence

Indicates a small amount of charitable or kind-hearted intention.

a modicum of understanding

Suggests a small degree of empathy or comprehension.

a shade of compassion

Emphasizes the element of compassion, but in a limited capacity.

a hint of cordiality

Highlights a slight display of warmth and friendliness.

an iota of grace

Emphasizes a very small amount of grace or elegance in action.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit of goodwill" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit of goodwill" to describe a situation where a small amount of kindness or positive intention can make a difference. For instance, "The negotiations proceeded smoothly, thanks to "a bit of goodwill" on both sides".

What are some alternatives to saying "a bit of goodwill"?

You can use alternatives such as "a touch of kindness", "a measure of generosity", or "a small act of grace" depending on the context.

Is "a bit of goodwill" formal or informal?

"A bit of goodwill" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in general news and conversation.

What does "a gesture of goodwill" mean, and how is it different from "a bit of goodwill"?

"A gesture of goodwill" implies a specific action intended to show kindness or positive intent, while ""a bit of goodwill"" refers to the underlying positive attitude or intention itself. A gesture is the action; the bit of goodwill is the feeling behind it.