as a friendly gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a friendly gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action taken to show kindness or goodwill towards someone. Example: "I decided to bring her favorite coffee as a friendly gesture to brighten her day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Doing this as a friendly gesture in the neighborhood could backfire".

The New Yorker

The offer is seen as a friendly gesture highlighting warming ties between the former adversaries.

The New York Times

As a friendly gesture, Mary triumphantly drags out a coffee table as a gift.

The New York Times

Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse whodunnits occasionally refer to the sleuth's earlier cases, but only as a friendly gesture to fans.

The Guardian - Books

"We wanted reference points to be present in our pop-ups: Ikat fabrics, ethnic rugs and, as a friendly gesture, handmade friendship bracelets".

The New York Times

Keller was so eager to promote mushing that he decided to cover Mackey's travel expenses to Hollywood for the awards ceremony, as a friendly gesture.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Whether you propose a trip to the movies or offer to cook her dinner, she might misinterpret your question as just a friendly gesture.

WikiHow

It struck many who know of this deal as something more of a friendly gesture than an investment made with an eye toward big returns.

The New York Times - Sports

No, Kevin, this is not a friendly gesture that says, "You make me feel as comfortable as a turtleneck sweater".

The New Yorker

He said, "I made what I consider, and I still consider to be a friendly gesture" to the woman as she left a Dec. 18 meeting on personnel matters with several officials.

The New York Times

It was a friendly gesture.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a friendly gesture", ensure the context clearly indicates the action is intended to show kindness or goodwill, avoiding any potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "as a friendly gesture" to describe actions that could be perceived as intrusive or inappropriate, as this can undermine the intended message of goodwill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a friendly gesture" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing context for an action. It specifies the intent behind the action, indicating it's done out of kindness or goodwill. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase commonly appears to add context and understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a friendly gesture" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes an action motivated by kindness or goodwill. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to the context to avoid potential misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "as an act of kindness" or "as a gesture of friendship" can be used for nuanced expression. Ludwig's examples reveal that authoritative sources frequently employ this phrase to convey positive intent and foster understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a gesture of friendship

Specifically focuses on the friendly aspect of the action.

as an act of kindness

Emphasizes the benevolent nature of the action.

as a token of goodwill

Highlights the intention to create or maintain positive relations.

out of sheer goodwill

Stresses the purity of the intention behind the action.

as a considerate act

Highlights the thoughtfulness behind the action.

by way of friendly action

More formal and emphasizes the active aspect of being friendly.

to show amicable intent

More formal, focuses on demonstrating a friendly purpose.

as a neighborly deed

Implies a sense of community and helpfulness.

in a spirit of amity

Emphasizes the harmonious and peaceful intention.

as a benevolent move

Stresses the helpful and charitable nature of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "as a friendly gesture" in a sentence?

Use "as a friendly gesture" to describe actions intended to show kindness or goodwill. For example, "I brought cookies to my new neighbor as a friendly gesture."

What are some alternatives to "as a friendly gesture"?

You can use alternatives like "as an act of kindness", "as a token of goodwill", or "as a gesture of friendship" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as a friendly gesture" formal or informal?

"As a friendly gesture" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in news and general writing.

Can "as a friendly gesture" be misinterpreted?

Yes, it's important to ensure the context is clear and the action is not perceived as intrusive or inappropriate. If there's a risk of misinterpretation, consider using a more explicit phrase like "out of sheer goodwill".