a handsome gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handsome gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is generous, kind, or thoughtful, often in a way that is visually appealing or admirable. Example: "His decision to donate a significant portion of his earnings to charity was truly a handsome gesture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That is a handsome gesture considering what is coming".

Independent

A handsome gesture, certainly, but where, exactly, is the connection?

The New York Times - Arts

But then Mr. Rennie is so sweet and he makes such a handsome gesture of telling his disapproving mother where to go that she finds her affections shifting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He gestured toward a handsome brown coat from a store in SoHo.

The New Yorker

I bought so much I haven't needed to buy things since". He gestured toward a handsome brown coat from a store in SoHo.

The New Yorker

Fairly brief and succinct, the solo has Mr. Duncan walking slowly but purposefully, sitting thoughtfully, and drinking tea from a handsome little bowl in one long and flowing gesture.

The New York Times - Arts

Listed on the Post's masthead as its "Adventure Editor," Marx was a handsome man in his late twenties, tall and deeply tanned, his gestures brave and bold, his eyes shaded by a wary, far-off squint.

Huffington Post

A handsome pale girl.

The New Yorker

A handsome woman.

The New Yorker

They were a handsome couple.

The New York Times - Sports

Still a handsome payday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a handsome gesture" when you want to emphasize not only the kindness or generosity of an action, but also its admirable or impressive quality. For example, "His donation to the local school was a handsome gesture, greatly appreciated by the community."

Common error

Avoid using "a handsome gesture" in overly casual or informal settings. It can sound slightly formal or old-fashioned in everyday conversation. Consider using a more casual alternative like "a nice thing to do" or "a kind act" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handsome gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "handsome" is an adjective modifying the noun "gesture". It describes a specific type of gesture characterized by its generosity and admirable quality. As Ludwig AI stated, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a handsome gesture" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes an action that is both generous and admirable, often appreciated for its impressive quality. While leaning towards a more formal tone, it remains suitable for neutral contexts like news and media. When writing, remember to consider the setting and choose more casual alternatives like "a kind act" or "a generous deed" for informal conversations. Using "a handsome gesture" effectively involves recognizing its nuances and selecting it when you wish to emphasize both the kindness and admirable nature of an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A fine gesture

Replaces "handsome" with "fine", maintaining a similar level of appreciation but with a more general connotation of quality.

A noble gesture

Replaces "handsome" with "noble", implying high moral principles and integrity.

A gracious act

Substitutes both "handsome" and "gesture" to "gracious" and "act" respectively, conveying politeness and kindness but with a stronger emphasis on the action itself.

A generous deed

Replaces "handsome gesture" with "generous deed", focusing on the charitable or magnanimous nature of the action.

A kind offering

Uses "kind offering" instead of "handsome gesture", emphasizing the thoughtfulness and benevolence behind the action.

A thoughtful action

Replaces "handsome gesture" with "thoughtful action", highlighting the consideration and care involved.

A considerate move

Replaces "handsome gesture" with "considerate move", indicating carefulness and empathy in the action.

A charitable contribution

Focuses specifically on actions involving charity or donation, adding a concrete aspect not necessarily present in the original phrase.

A magnanimous display

Emphasizes the nobility and generosity of spirit behind the action, elevating the tone.

An admirable effort

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of the endeavor, shifting focus from the gesture itself to the work put in.

FAQs

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

You can use "a handsome gesture" to describe an act that is both generous and admirable. For example, "Offering to help clean up after the event was "a handsome gesture"."

What can I say instead of "a handsome gesture"?

You can use alternatives like "a generous act", "a gracious deed", or "a thoughtful action" depending on the specific context.

Is "handsome gesture" formal or informal?

"Handsome gesture" leans towards the formal side. In very casual settings, you might prefer alternatives like "a nice thing to do" or "a kind act".

Which is correct, "a handsome gesture" or "an handsome gesture"?

"A handsome gesture" is correct. The article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, while "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.