a degree of goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a degree of goodwill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the level or extent of goodwill in a particular situation, often in contexts related to business, relationships, or negotiations. Example: "In order to reach a successful agreement, both parties must demonstrate a degree of goodwill towards each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some were puzzled by the timing of the arrests, coming barely a week after the Saudi government generated a degree of goodwill by temporarily releasing Yousef and two other women who are on trial.

The Washington Post

I was not one of the astonishing nine million fans who gathered round their screens to watch the finale and – thanks to a degree of goodwill and self-restraint that hasn't been seen since Agatha Christie's people begged audiences not to reveal the ending of The Mousetrap – I didn't see, hear or read anything that revealed the killer.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The interviews revealed a remarkable degree of goodwill of the healthcare providers towards the researchers.

Global Health Action

They all backed their new mayor on gay marriage, and nobody admitted to having voted for Mr Schwarzenegger; yet an astonishing degree of goodwill towards the governor was in evidence.

The Economist

Richard Humphries, assistant director of policy at healthcare charity The King's Fund, agrees that reorganisation is a distraction, but adds: "On the positive side, I do sense a degree of commitment and goodwill".

The Guardian

Enduring constitutions nevertheless require three essential things: first, a general recognition that there is a problem that needs solving; second, a shared willingness to produce a shared outcome; and, third, a degree of readiness and goodwill to make that outcome a lasting settlement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Several philosophers suggest that as far as feelings go, gratitude requires some degree of goodwill toward a benefactor, understood as wishing a benefactor well (Walker 1980 1981; Herman 2012).

SEP

There is a long way to go before the next election, so he is not going to have this degree of goodwill and attention again.

The Guardian

A degree of secrecy was a must.

The New York Times

A lot of goodwill.

The New York Times

Traditionally, Christmas is a time of goodwill.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a degree of goodwill", consider the context carefully. Ensure it accurately reflects the level of positive intention or favor present in the situation. It's particularly effective when discussing negotiations, relationships, or situations requiring cooperation.

Common error

Avoid using "a degree of goodwill" when there is clear evidence of animosity or conflict. Overstating the positive sentiment can undermine your credibility and misrepresent the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a degree of goodwill" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, often describing the extent or amount of positive feeling or intention present. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, this phrase is suitable for expressing the level of goodwill in a situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a degree of goodwill" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the extent of positive intention or favor. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. While it's most frequently found in "News & Media", it also appears in "Science" and "Formal & Business" settings. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the situation and avoid overstating the positive sentiment. Alternatives such as "a measure of goodwill" or "a show of goodwill" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a measure of goodwill

Changes the extent from "degree" to "measure", suggesting a quantifiable amount of positive disposition.

a show of goodwill

Replaces "degree" with "show", emphasizing a demonstration of positive intent rather than a specific quantity.

a gesture of goodwill

Substitutes "degree" with "gesture", highlighting a specific action intended to express positive feelings.

an act of kindness

Replaces the entire phrase with a more general term for benevolent actions.

a spirit of cooperation

Shifts the focus from individual goodwill to a collaborative mindset.

a willingness to compromise

Emphasizes the readiness to find mutually agreeable solutions, implying underlying goodwill.

positive intent

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning, focusing on the intention behind actions.

favorable disposition

Uses more formal language to describe a positive attitude or inclination.

friendly approach

Focuses on the manner of interaction, suggesting goodwill through amicable behavior.

benevolent attitude

Highlights the underlying positive attitude and caring nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "a degree of goodwill" to describe situations where some level of positive intention or favor is present. For example, "The negotiations proceeded smoothly because both parties demonstrated "a degree of goodwill" towards each other."

What's the difference between "a degree of goodwill" and "a show of goodwill"?

"A degree of goodwill" refers to the level or extent of positive intention. "A show of goodwill" implies an action or gesture that demonstrates that positive intention.

Are there synonyms for "a degree of goodwill" that I can use?

Yes, you can use phrases such as "a measure of goodwill", "a spirit of cooperation", or "positive intent" depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is "a degree of goodwill" most appropriate?

"A degree of goodwill" is suitable in contexts involving negotiations, conflict resolution, relationship building, or any situation where a certain level of positive intent or favor is necessary for progress or success.