a generous thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generous thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or gesture that is kind, giving, or selfless. Example: "Donating to the local food bank is truly a generous thing to do, especially during the holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It was a generous thing".

The New Yorker

I look back and think that was a generous thing for my parents to have done".

The Guardian

"To see the smiles on people's faces, the little tykes, the tough guys on the corner digging it, too, really made me take notice of what a generous thing this was, and that's when practices got regular".

The New York Times

At the launch Lewis remarked that in his karting days he had idolised Jenson, which was a generous thing to say about the man he must now beat to reconfirm his supremacy within the team.

The Guardian - Sport

Inevitably, we would use that new power in such a way as to avoid the pain and suffering which dying often entails; and we would soon be persuaded that it was a generous thing to do, because it would free up NHS budgets.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Because there's a lot to [Jersey club]." That's a generous thing of the 26-year-old artist to say, but it's unlikely there are many people who aren't left in the dust by his debut for J-Cush's Lit City Trax.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Any more tips where to stop on the way to Arcata? 11.23pm BST The road ahead... @fantod - a Eureka resident - has just done a very generous thing and delivered a screed of tips for the journey between Grants Pass and the coast south of Eureka.

The Guardian - Travel

Which, like Rauschenberg's art, is a very generous thing.

The New York Times

"It was a very generous thing for him to do," Mr. Silverstein said.

The New York Times

"This is a very generous thing for the talent by [ITV director of television] Kevin Lygo because it keeps the pressure on the broadcaster, not the talent, which means he gets good talent," he said.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I assume someone whispered that into the President's ear while he was talking to me," Green wrote to me, "but, regardless, it was a very generous thing of him to say".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a generous thing" to describe actions that go beyond the expected or required, showcasing genuine kindness or selflessness. For example, "Offering to help a colleague with their workload is a generous thing to do."

Common error

Avoid using "a generous thing" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a kind deed" or "a selfless act" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generous thing" functions as a noun phrase, where "generous" is an adjective modifying "thing". According to Ludwig, the phrase describes an action, gesture, or quality characterized by kindness and willingness to give or share.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a generous thing" is a noun phrase used to describe actions marked by kindness and selflessness. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of potential overuse and consider synonyms like "a kind act" or "a selfless deed" to maintain reader engagement. The examples from Ludwig show that the expression is more frequently encountered in journalistic contents. The semantic analysis reveals several alternatives to diversify your writing, such as "a kind deed" and "a selfless act".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an act of kindness

Similar to "a kind deed" but slightly more formal.

a kind deed

Focuses on the act being benevolent and thoughtful.

a giving gesture

Focuses on the act of providing or offering something valuable.

a selfless act

Emphasizes the lack of personal gain in the action.

a considerate gesture

Highlights the thoughtfulness and empathy behind the action.

a magnanimous gesture

Highlights the noble and forgiving nature of the act.

a benevolent action

Stresses the well-meaning and helpful nature of the act.

a charitable act

Specifically refers to acts of giving to those in need.

a munificent act

Emphasizes the lavishness or abundance of the generosity.

a philanthropic endeavor

Refers to large-scale acts of generosity aimed at improving society.

FAQs

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

You can use "a generous thing" to describe an act of kindness or selflessness. For example: "Donating to charity is "a generous thing" to do."

What are some alternatives to saying "a generous thing"?

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

Is it correct to say "a very generous thing"?

Yes, adding "very" intensifies the generosity of the act. For example, "Providing shelter to the homeless is "a very generous thing" to do."

When is it appropriate to use "a generous thing" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a generous thing" when you want to highlight the kindness and selflessness behind an action. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as shown by the examples on Ludwig.