a kindness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a kindness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an act of kindness or a gesture that is considerate or helpful. Example: "She offered a kindness by helping me carry my groceries when I was struggling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I felt a kindness.

The New York Times

They were not, she presumes, a kindness.

The Economist

Someone do me a kindness?

The New Yorker

A kindness marked his remaining years.

The New York Times

Think of it as a kindness.

The Guardian

A kindness to your fellow passengers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is not a kindness on her part.

The New Yorker

I later saw that as a kindness, really.

The New Yorker

The original war was anything but a kindness.

The New York Times

They can have a kindness or gentleness, too.

The Guardian - Film

A quick transfer to DVD would be a kindness.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a kindness" when you want to emphasize the quality of being kind displayed through an action or gesture. This can make the act feel more personal and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "a kindness" to describe actions that are merely polite or expected. The phrase carries a connotation of going above and beyond standard courtesy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a kindness" primarily functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a countable noun. It signifies a tangible instance or expression of kind behavior, offering a way to quantify and highlight individual acts of generosity or compassion. This is supported by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, which showcase its use in describing specific actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the analysis of "a kindness" reveals it to be a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing its prevalence in contexts such as News & Media. It serves to highlight a specific act of generosity or compassion, often with the purpose of expressing gratitude or acknowledging considerate behavior. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's essential to reserve its use for situations where the act truly goes beyond mere politeness. Consider enriching your vocabulary by using synonyms like "an act of compassion" or "a gesture of goodwill" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an act of compassion

Emphasizes the feeling of empathy driving the action, rather than the act itself.

a gesture of goodwill

Highlights the friendly and benevolent intention behind the action.

an expression of generosity

Focuses on the giving and abundance associated with the action.

a considerate deed

Underscores the thoughtfulness and care involved.

a benevolent act

Highlights the charitable and well-meaning nature of the action, adding a formal tone.

a charitable gesture

Specifically implies an act of giving to those in need.

a favor

A more informal and common way to describe a helpful act.

a helpful turn

Emphasizes the assistance provided and the benefit to the recipient.

an act of grace

Implies elegance, goodwill, and generosity beyond what is expected or deserved.

a service

A more neutral term that highlights the action of providing help or assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "a kindness" in a sentence?

You can use "a kindness" to describe an act of being kind or generous. For example, "She showed me "a kindness" by helping me move my belongings."

What are some alternatives to saying "a kindness"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a favor", "a good deed", or "an act of generosity".

Is it more appropriate to say "a kindness" or "kindness" in general?

Using "a kindness" refers to a specific instance or act of being kind. "Kindness" in general refers to the quality or characteristic itself. For example, "Showing "a kindness" is an example of showing kindness."

What's the difference between "a kindness" and "an act of kindness"?

"A kindness" is a more concise way of saying "an act of kindness". They are largely interchangeable, but "a kindness" may sound slightly more informal.