a goodwill gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a goodwill gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an action taken to show kindness or to improve a relationship, often in a business or diplomatic context. Example: "To apologize for the inconvenience caused, the company offered a goodwill gesture in the form of a discount on future purchases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It was almost a goodwill gesture, really," Grime says.

The Guardian - Sport

The company has now made a goodwill gesture of £100.

The Guardian - Money

Even just as a goodwill gesture, it would be important".

The Guardian

"It's a goodwill gesture on their part," she said.

The New York Times

I was offered a goodwill gesture of £30 because of the problems.

Independent

It has, further, credited your account with £100 as a goodwill gesture.

The Guardian - Money

The company has also promised a goodwill gesture, most likely through an adjustment to your bill.

The Guardian - Money

All they have offered him is ���5 as a "goodwill gesture", which adds insult to injury.

The Guardian - Money

The lower of your quotes – £244 – will be met, plus £25 as a goodwill gesture.

The Guardian - Money

It has now agreed to cancel the charges as a goodwill gesture.

The Guardian - Money

Twenty-one were freed last week as a "goodwill gesture" by the group.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the gesture is genuine and aligns with the values of the parties involved. In particular, when doing business internationally, be aware of cultural differences and nuances.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a goodwill gesture" will automatically resolve significant issues or change perceptions. It's often a starting point, not a complete solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a goodwill gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as an object or complement in a sentence, describing an action taken to show kindness, conciliation, or to improve relations. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a goodwill gesture" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that describes an action intended to foster positive relationships. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business communications. While generally neutral in tone, careful consideration of the specific situation is crucial to ensure the gesture is appropriate and well-received. Remember that its frequency and the AI-assessed correctness make it a reliable choice, but appropriateness should always be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gesture of goodwill

A slightly more formal and emphatic version of the original phrase.

a goodwill message

Focuses specifically on the communication aspect of the gesture.

a courtesy gesture

Emphasizes the politeness and respect conveyed by the action.

a friendly gesture

Highlights the warmth and approachability of the action.

a kind gesture

Stresses the benevolence and thoughtfulness behind the action.

a conciliatory act

Implies an effort to reconcile or make peace.

an act of kindness

Replaces the legal/diplomatic connotation with a more emotive expression of caring.

a show of good faith

Emphasizes the honesty and sincerity behind the action.

a token of appreciation

Highlights the gratitude being expressed through the action.

a peace offering

Indicates an attempt to resolve conflict or tension.

FAQs

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

You can use "a goodwill gesture" to describe an action intended to create or improve a relationship. For example, "The company offered a discount as "a goodwill gesture" after the product malfunctioned".

What are some alternatives to saying "a goodwill gesture"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a friendly gesture", "an act of kindness", or "a peace offering".

What makes "a goodwill gesture" effective?

An effective "a goodwill gesture" is genuine, appropriate to the situation, and aligned with the values of those involved. It should be perceived as sincere and not self-serving.

In what situations might "a goodwill gesture" be misinterpreted?

"A goodwill gesture" can be misinterpreted if it's seen as insincere, inadequate to address the problem, or culturally inappropriate. Clear communication is essential to ensure the gesture's intent is understood.