act of goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of goodwill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gesture or action intended to help or benefit someone, often without expecting anything in return. Example: "As an act of goodwill, the company decided to donate a portion of its profits to local charities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

As an act of goodwill, maybe it could hand them back?

Independent

This isn't some attempt to reinforce one's status in the organisation: it's an act of goodwill, and everyone is invited.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Johnson, as an act of goodwill, handed over a parting cheque for £3,000 – good money in 1967.

The Guardian - Books

In addition, receiving an act of goodwill (i.e., forgiveness) may make people motivated to reciprocate (i.e., treat the other person better).

University of California, Berkeley

The moment a present becomes not a simple act of goodwill but an obligation that is fulfilled in front of witnesses, its delights are subverted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Russia had said it would withdraw from Perevi after the latest round of internationally mediated talks in Geneva last week, describing it as an "act of goodwill".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

In the study, researchers explored whether people are inspired to do good by simply thinking about acts of goodwill without witnessing them firsthand.

University of California, Berkeley

During his Class Day address, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey tapped into a theme that carried over into Commencement, touching on the importance of gratitude, kindness, and small acts of goodwill.

Princeton University

Given this setup, you might be forgiven for expecting the subsequent story of grief and reconciliation to touch at least glancingly on how it is that all these fine people have learned to get along so well, what biases and resentments must have been overcome and how many acts of goodwill must have been performed to achieve this regrettably rare state of harmony.

The New York Times

4 Gelon treated all men fairly, primarily because that was his disposition, but not the least motive was that he was eager to make all men his own by acts of goodwill.

University of Chicago

Workplace groups created at RBS have led to acts of goodwill such as branch staff personally returning a lost wallet to a customer at their home, encouraged wellness programs and activities, and brought together micro-communities in support of diversity efforts for LGBT and religions.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act of goodwill", ensure the context clearly indicates the benevolent intent behind the action. Provide specific details about the act to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "act of goodwill" to describe actions that primarily serve the actor's self-interest, even if they incidentally benefit others. The core of the phrase is the genuine desire to help.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of goodwill" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a specific action that demonstrates benevolence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "act of goodwill" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to describe an action carried out with benevolent intentions. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, though it often appears in news reports, academic discussions, and business communications. While alternatives like "gesture of goodwill" or "show of kindness" exist, "act of goodwill" retains its distinct emphasis on the intent behind the action. Therefore, when using this phrase, ensure the context clearly reflects genuine benevolence and consider providing specific details to underscore the intent. The phrase’s frequent occurrence across various sources underscores its relevance and general acceptance in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gesture of goodwill

Synonymous, but emphasizes the expressive or symbolic nature of the action.

act of generosity

Emphasizes the willingness to give more than what is strictly necessary.

show of kindness

Highlights the emotional aspect of the action, focusing on its compassionate nature.

benevolent act

More formal and emphasizes the charitable nature of the action.

humanitarian effort

Focuses on actions intended to improve human welfare, often on a larger scale.

altruistic deed

Emphasizes the selflessness and lack of personal gain in the action.

charitable contribution

Highlights the giving of resources or aid to those in need.

gracious gesture

Focuses on the politeness and elegance of the action.

compassionate act

Stresses the empathy and concern for others that motivates the action.

amicable approach

Implies that it's a friendly way to solve an issue, rather than a spontaneous action.

FAQs

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

You can use "act of goodwill" to describe a helpful or generous action. For example, "The company's donation was an "act of goodwill" towards the community".

What are some alternatives to "act of goodwill"?

Alternatives include "gesture of goodwill", "show of kindness", or "benevolent act" depending on the specific context.

Is "act of goodwill" formal or informal?

"Act of goodwill" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "benevolent act" might be preferred in highly formal situations.

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

While similar, "act of kindness" emphasizes the personal and emotional aspect, whereas "act of goodwill" often implies a broader, more strategic intent to foster positive relationships or improve a situation.