an act of goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an 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 others, often without expecting anything in return. Example: "The company donated a large sum to the local charity as an act of goodwill to support the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 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

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

But while many saw her actions as an act of goodwill to help animals during a natural disaster, county officials saw a violation of the law.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

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

On Friday, the San Francisco Police Department took a brief respite from writing parking tickets and evicting minorities to facilitate a citywide act of goodwill; letting a little kid with cancer pretend to be the Batman.

Vice

As long as rich countries consider it a voluntary act of goodwill to help people in difficult circumstances, they will feel more relaxed about reducing assistance and directing it according to their own criteria.

The Guardian

Indeed, Beck's entire Wilmington production, which he relentlessly promoted as a selfless act of goodwill, looks increasingly cynical in its execution.

Huffington Post

At the time, the details of the transfer were murky, with some media reports characterizing the move as a "rare act of goodwill" on the part of the terrorist group.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "an act of goodwill", be specific about the positive outcome or benefit it creates for the recipient or community. Provide context to show the impact of the gesture.

Common error

While "an act of goodwill" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "benevolent act" or "charitable gesture" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an act of goodwill" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a specific instance of kindness or generosity. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a gesture intended to help or benefit others.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an act of goodwill" is a commonly used phrase to describe a helpful or generous action, as noted by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and widely understood, its usage varies across different contexts. News & Media sources frequently employ it, while formal or academic settings might benefit from more sophisticated synonyms. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey positive intentions and beneficial outcomes, making it a valuable tool for clear and impactful communication. Keep in mind that being precise when describing it and its outcomes makes the expression more compelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gesture of kindness

This alternative focuses on the kindness inherent in the action. It's a more general term and can apply to a wider range of situations.

a kind deed

This alternative simplifies the expression to its core meaning, emphasizing the inherent kindness of the action.

a benevolent deed

This suggests a more formal and significant act of charity or generosity, often implying a larger scale impact.

a charitable act

This alternative emphasizes the charitable aspect of the action, specifically relating to giving or assistance to those in need.

a humanitarian effort

This implies a larger-scale act aimed at improving human welfare, often in response to a crisis or widespread need.

a selfless act

This highlights the lack of personal gain or motivation behind the action, emphasizing altruism.

a compassionate gesture

This focuses on the empathy and concern for others that motivates the action. The gesture is often small but meaningful.

a generous contribution

This highlights the act of giving something valuable, whether it's time, money, or resources, to benefit others.

a favor

This is a more informal term for a helpful act, often done out of friendship or obligation.

an altruistic endeavor

This phrase suggests a selfless and principled effort undertaken for the well-being of others, often involving significant effort and commitment.

FAQs

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

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

What's a more formal alternative to "an act of goodwill"?

More formal alternatives include "a benevolent deed" or "a charitable act". These phrases emphasize the selfless and beneficial nature of the action.

Is "an act of goodwill" the same as "a gesture of kindness"?

While similar, "a gesture of kindness" may refer to a smaller, more personal action, while "an act of goodwill" can encompass larger, more public actions. Both imply positive intent and benefit to others.

What motivates "an act of goodwill"?

An act of goodwill is typically motivated by altruism, empathy, or a desire to contribute positively to society. It often involves helping others without expecting immediate personal gain.