a serious gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or sign that conveys a significant or earnest meaning, often in a formal or important context. Example: "His decision to donate a large sum of money to the charity was seen as a serious gesture of support for the cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That's a serious gesture from the Broadway League and the American Theater Wing, which present the awards.

The New York Times

Whether the offer is merely lip service or a serious gesture, though, is something that all parties said late yesterday they still had to determine.

The New York Times

Having the key to someone's home is a serious gesture of trust -- be as responsible to your new clients as you would yourself, your grandma, or the President.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In a more serious gesture, the orchestra performed a moving rendition of "Nimrod" from Elgar's "Enigma Variations" in tribute to both the conductor Colin Davis, who died on Sunday at 85, and to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.

The New York Times - Arts

Giving your girlfriend your grandmother's ring is a more serious gesture than giving her something you paid for — no matter how expensive it is.

WikiHow

Some appeared to be serious gestures aimed at reducing nepotism and corruption, like ones ordering senior government officials to "avoid intervening in the recruitment for the civil service, judiciary and universities," while others were more symbolic exhortations, including a call for the Women's Ministry to undertake a public relations campaign about violence against women.

The New York Times

I am so impressed with the process, the depth of information, the serious gestures, as well as the fun and folly of these pieces.

Huffington Post

This is on par with promising to go to the prom with more than one girl -- a serious no-no and gesture of disrespect.

WikiHow

In reality, it is a spur-of-the-moment campaign gesture, not a serious commitment.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We know gesture recognition is a serious problem, especially in real world settings.

The Guardian - Tech

Jayati Ghosh, a professor of economics at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, called the sum "peanuts," dismissing it as a "grandstanding gesture" rather than a serious measure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In persuasive writing, use "a serious gesture" to highlight the significance of an action and build trust with your audience, demonstrating that an individual or entity is committed and genuine.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious gesture" when a lighter, more informal approach is appropriate. Overusing it can make the tone too heavy or melodramatic, diminishing the impact of the message. Consider alternatives like "a meaningful act" if the situation doesn't warrant extreme gravity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to an action or expression that is characterized by its significance, sincerity, and commitment. Ludwig AI confirms this use through examples where it describes actions with substantial implications.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious gesture" is a phrase used to describe actions that carry significant weight and intention. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it's grammatically sound and most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the level of formality required by the context. While effective in conveying commitment, avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "a significant action" or "a meaningful act" to diversify your language and maintain relevance with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant action

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the action taken.

a meaningful act

Highlights the depth of intention and emotion behind the action.

a sincere expression

Focuses on the genuineness and honesty conveyed by the gesture.

a weighty commitment

Stresses the gravity and responsibility associated with the action.

a solemn promise

Implies a formal or binding nature to the gesture.

a considered move

Indicates careful thought and deliberation before the action.

an earnest attempt

Highlights the dedication and effort put into the action.

a deliberate decision

Emphasizes the intentionality and purposefulness of the action.

a responsible undertaking

Suggests a sense of duty and accountability in performing the action.

a consequential step

Highlights the potential far-reaching effects of the action.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a serious gesture" in a sentence?

Use "a serious gesture" to describe an action that demonstrates commitment, intent, or importance. For example, "His donation to the charity was "a serious gesture" of his dedication to the cause".

What are some alternatives to "a serious gesture"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant action", "a meaningful act", or "a sincere expression" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a serious gesture" formal or informal?

"A serious gesture" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for professional or news contexts. In informal settings, you might prefer more casual alternatives.

How does "a serious gesture" differ from "a symbolic gesture"?

"A serious gesture" implies genuine commitment and meaningful action, while "a symbolic gesture" may be primarily for show or to represent an idea without necessarily involving deep commitment. The former is about substance, the latter about representation.