a matter of goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of goodwill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which people show generosity or kindness. For example, "The two companies reached an agreement, and it was a matter of goodwill on both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But wishing someone happiness on a holiday should be a matter of goodwill, not rights.

Huffington Post

But as we previously indicated, as a matter of goodwill, we have told DOE we would return any inappropriate profits.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

[Russia] won't send him home as a gesture of goodwill or a matter of principle, as Kerry seems to hope.

Huffington Post

As a matter of principle, Bradley can count on initial goodwill.

The New York Times

In that ideal situation, seasonal hopes about goodwill and peace would be a lot less a matter of mere hope than they are now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cuba-US relations are at a low ebb once again, almost completely erasing all the goodwill built up over the Obama presidency in a matter of months.

BBC

While we say this as a matter of possibility, there is also the equal possibility that China will not because it has assured us of its relationship of goodwill with us.

Huffington Post

A matter of days.

Independent

A matter of signals.

The New Yorker

The reasonable priorities among all these persons as objects of one's love, goodwill and care are discussed by Aquinas both as an "order of love(s)" [ordo amoris] and as a matter of right and justice.

SEP

A Matter of Timing.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a matter of goodwill" when you want to emphasize that an action or decision is driven by positive intentions and voluntary effort, rather than obligation or necessity.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of goodwill" when describing actions that are legally required or contractually obligated. This phrase implies a voluntary act of kindness, not a mandatory duty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of goodwill" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or within a prepositional phrase. It describes a situation or action that is based on or motivated by kindness, generosity, or voluntary effort, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a matter of goodwill" signifies that an action or decision stems from kindness and voluntary effort rather than obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, including news and media, science, and formal communication. It's important to distinguish this phrase from situations involving legal or contractual duties. When seeking alternatives, consider options such as "a gesture of generosity" or "an act of kindness" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gesture of generosity

Focuses specifically on the act of giving or showing kindness.

an act of kindness

Emphasizes the benevolent nature of the action.

a voluntary contribution

Highlights the willingness and freedom involved in the action.

a display of benevolence

Indicates a broader, more formal expression of goodwill.

a show of compassion

Specifically emphasizes empathy and concern for others.

a favor done freely

Highlights the unforced and optional nature of the action.

an offering of goodwill

Suggests a formal or ceremonial presentation of positive intentions.

a token of appreciation

Highlights gratitude as the motivation behind the action.

an exercise of grace

Focuses on elegance and refinement in the demonstration of goodwill.

a spirit of cooperation

Underlines collaborative intent and mutual benefit.

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of goodwill" in a sentence?

You can use "a matter of goodwill" to describe situations where actions are motivated by generosity rather than obligation. For example: "Releasing the hostage was "a matter of goodwill" on the part of the captors."

What are some alternatives to "a matter of goodwill"?

Alternatives include "a gesture of generosity", "an act of kindness", or "a voluntary contribution", depending on the specific context.

Is "a matter of goodwill" formal or informal?

The phrase "a matter of goodwill" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it may be perceived as slightly more formal than everyday expressions.

What's the difference between "a matter of goodwill" and "a gesture of goodwill"?

"A matter of goodwill" describes the overall motivation or spirit behind an action, while "a gesture of goodwill" refers to a specific action intended to show kindness or positive intent.