a generous gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generous gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an act of kindness or goodwill that is thoughtful and giving in nature. Example: "Her donation to the local shelter was truly a generous gesture that inspired others to contribute as well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's a generous gesture — a melancholy wish.

The New York Times - Books

His resignation, he said, was "a generous gesture".

The New York Times

There is little appetite among politicians for a generous gesture.

The Guardian - Opinion

Israeli officers say this is a generous gesture.

The New York Times

My old pal Billy remembered a generous gesture from my father that I appreciated hearing.

The New York Times

It's a generous gesture to the past, one that ingeniously punctuates the space.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The show criticized our concepts of authorship, in a way, but it was also a beautiful, generous gesture".

The New Yorker

"That's an incredibly generous gesture from a young man, really," Scott said.

The New York Times - Sports

The 1969 Ryder Cup at Birkdale is chiefly remembered for Jack Nicklaus's famous concession of Tony Jacklin's nervy two-footer on the last, a most generous gesture which ensured that year's edition ended in a draw, and earned the Golden Bear both a place in the pantheon of saints and a volley of abuse from US captain Sam Snead, for whom simply retaining the trophy was not enough.

The Guardian - Sport

It was an emotionally generous gesture, maybe even a naïve one: trusting the city too much, underestimating its dangers.

The New York Times

Haddon's stance, says Moser, "is a very generous gesture".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about acts of kindness, consider the specific context and choose a synonym that best reflects the nuance of the action, such as "a selfless act" or "an act of goodwill".

Common error

Avoid using "a generous gesture" too frequently in formal or business writing, as it can sometimes sound sentimental. Opt for more neutral terms like "a substantial contribution" or "a significant donation" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generous gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes an act of kindness or giving. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where it modifies a noun to emphasize the positive and thoughtful nature of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a generous gesture" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an act of kindness or giving. According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in news media, academic writing, and science, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While highly versatile, it's worth considering synonyms like ""a kind act"" or ""a selfless act"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overuse in highly formal business contexts, opting for more neutral language when appropriate. With its clear and positive connotation, this phrase effectively highlights and appreciates acts of goodwill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gesture of kindness

Directly highlights the friendly and thoughtful nature.

a thoughtful act

Focuses on the consideration and care involved.

an act of goodwill

Stresses the positive intentions and friendly nature.

a magnanimous act

Emphasizes the noble and forgiving nature of the act.

a selfless act

Underscores the lack of personal gain in the action.

a charitable deed

Highlights the altruistic and compassionate aspect of the action.

a benevolent action

Focuses on the kind and well-meaning intention behind the deed.

a gracious offering

Emphasizes the polite and courteous manner of the gift.

a philanthropic contribution

Implies a larger-scale effort to improve the welfare of others.

a liberal donation

Highlights the substantial quantity or value involved in the giving.

FAQs

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

You can use "a generous gesture" to describe an act of kindness or giving. For example: "Donating his time to the charity was "a generous gesture"." or "The company's donation was "a generous gesture" that helped many families."

What are some alternatives to "a generous gesture"?

Alternatives include "a kind act", "an act of goodwill", "a charitable deed", or "a selfless act". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a generous gesture" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "a generous gesture" might sound slightly sentimental in very formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "a significant contribution" or "a substantial donation" in those situations.

What distinguishes "a generous gesture" from "a kind gesture"?

Both phrases describe positive actions, but "a generous gesture" typically implies a more significant contribution or offering, while "a kind gesture" can refer to smaller, more personal acts of thoughtfulness.