a friendly gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a friendly gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is intended to be kind or welcoming. Example: "She offered him a cup of coffee as a friendly gesture to make him feel at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was merely a "friendly gesture".

The New York Times

It was just a friendly gesture".

The New York Times

It was a friendly gesture.

The New York Times - Sports

"My idea of a friendly gesture," she says.

The New Yorker

But for me it was like a friendly gesture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a friendly gesture; SMD and Klaxons go way back.

The Guardian - Music

"Remember that this is a friendly gesture of breaking bread".

The New Yorker

Doing this as a friendly gesture in the neighborhood could backfire".

The New Yorker

The offer is seen as a friendly gesture highlighting warming ties between the former adversaries.

The New York Times

As a friendly gesture, Mary triumphantly drags out a coffee table as a gift.

The New York Times

"They wanted to make a friendly gesture, so that was in 2011.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a friendly gesture" to describe an action intended to create positive relationships or show kindness. It's suitable in many contexts, from personal interactions to international relations.

Common error

Be cautious when using "a friendly gesture" in formal settings. Ensure it's clear that the gesture doesn't imply any contractual obligations or future commitments beyond the immediate act.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a friendly gesture" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action or behavior intended to convey goodwill or kindness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a friendly gesture" is a versatile phrase that describes an action intended to show kindness or build positive relationships. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in diverse contexts, most commonly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to ensure that the gesture is not misinterpreted as a binding commitment. Consider alternatives like "a gesture of goodwill" or "a kind deed" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gesture of goodwill

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the broader intention to create positive relations.

a kind deed

Highlights the altruistic and helpful nature of the action.

a sign of friendship

Directly indicates an expression of amicable feelings.

a welcoming act

Emphasizes the reception aspect, making someone feel included or accepted.

a cordial greeting

Focuses more on the politeness and formality of the greeting rather than the overall intent of kindness.

a warm overture

Conveys enthusiasm and sincerity in making a connection.

a thoughtful offering

Stresses the consideration and care behind the giving of something.

a neighborly act

Specifically relates to actions performed between people living near each other.

a generous token

Implies a more substantial gift or expression of goodwill.

a conciliatory move

Implies an action taken to restore harmony or resolve a dispute.

FAQs

How can I use "a friendly gesture" in a sentence?

You can use "a friendly gesture" to describe an action meant to show kindness or build rapport, such as "Offering a visitor a drink is often seen as "a friendly gesture"."

What are some alternatives to "a friendly gesture"?

Depending on the context, you could use "a kind deed", "a welcoming act", or "a gesture of goodwill".

Is there a difference between "a friendly gesture" and "a gesture of friendship"?

While similar, "a friendly gesture" implies a general act of kindness, whereas "a gesture of friendship" more directly suggests an action specifically intended to build or strengthen a friendship.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a friendly gesture"?

It's appropriate when describing an action that is intended to be warm, welcoming, and demonstrates positive intent, whether between individuals, groups, or even nations.