demonstrate a gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demonstrate a gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of showing or performing a specific physical action or sign, often to convey a message or emotion. Example: "During the presentation, the speaker chose to demonstrate a gesture that illustrated the concept of teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Poised intently on the edge of a folding chair as she talked, rising suddenly in the empty studio to demonstrate a gesture or phrase, Ms. Lang had clearly retained the awe and excitement that dance inspired in her as a child.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ms. Anderson, who once described herself as a "power dancer -- you know, turn-jump-seduce" -- crackles with energy, lolling one moment, bounding up to demonstrate a Cleopatra gesture the next.

The New York Times - Arts

While song names like "Sonic Youth" and "Pop Group" may demonstrate a tributary gesture, the trio has shed its revivalist skin.

Vice

This study [49] trained two chimpanzee subjects to demonstrate an unusual gesture for requesting food from a human, finding no evidence that other chimpanzees ever acquired the gesture.

Plosone

Rampling flips her hand flat on the table to demonstrate, a quick, hard gesture.

The Guardian - Film

Federighi began by demonstrating a few gestures in Mail, including Mailbox-style swiping to delete or mark as new.

TechCrunch

But he also urged the government to immediately release all imprisoned journalists, saying it would be a significant gesture to demonstrate a commitment to protecting freedom of speech.

Los Angeles Times

Its supporters indulge in the politics of adolescence and of nostalgic gesturing, and demonstrate a wholly ineffective policy grasp for current times.

The Guardian

In the center of the screen is a photo or a graphic demonstrating a gesture, all of which are extremely clear and simple.

The New York Times - Tech

Rubio offered a similar prescription for flashpoints in Ukraine, the Gulf and the Pacific, describing a need for gestures that would demonstrate a US willingness to defend its interests with military might.

The Guardian

Fig. 8 An invented gesture demonstrating a piston moving up (cf. Figs. 1a and 7a).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demonstrate a gesture" when you want to emphasize the act of showing a specific physical action to clarify a concept or convey information. Ensure the context makes it clear what gesture is being demonstrated.

Common error

Avoid using "demonstrate a gesture" in casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "show" or "make" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a level of formality that may sound unnatural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demonstrate a gesture" primarily functions as a verbal phrase that describes the act of performing or showing a specific physical action or sign. It is often used to explain or clarify a concept, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demonstrate a gesture" is a relatively uncommon but grammatically correct expression, as supported by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to describe the act of showing a specific physical action to clarify a concept or convey information. It appears more frequently in news and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While simpler alternatives like "show a gesture" or "illustrate a gesture" exist, "demonstrate a gesture" is best suited for situations where the act of demonstration is central to the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Show a gesture

A more direct and simple way to express the act of making a gesture visible.

Perform a gesture

Emphasizes the action and execution of the gesture.

Illustrate a gesture

Focuses more on clarifying or visually representing the gesture.

Display a gesture

Similar to 'show', but can also imply a more passive or unintentional revealing of the gesture.

Exhibit a gesture

Implies a formal or deliberate presentation of the gesture.

Present a gesture

Suggests a more formal introduction or offering of the gesture.

Demonstrate the action

Focuses on the action itself more than the specific form of communication.

Make a gesture

A broader term that encompasses any act of gesturing.

Enact a gesture

Implies a more theatrical or deliberate carrying out of the gesture.

Indicate through a gesture

Highlights the use of the gesture as a means of communication or signaling.

FAQs

How can I use "demonstrate a gesture" in a sentence?

You can use "demonstrate a gesture" to describe the act of showing a specific physical action or sign. For example, "The instructor chose to demonstrate a gesture to illustrate the correct posture."

What are some alternatives to "demonstrate a gesture"?

Alternatives include "show a gesture", "illustrate a gesture", or "perform a gesture", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "demonstrate a gesture" or "make a gesture" in formal writing?

"Demonstrate a gesture" is more specific and formal, suggesting a deliberate act of showing something, whereas "make a gesture" is a broader term that can refer to any act of gesturing.

What is the difference between "demonstrate a gesture" and "indicate through a gesture"?

"Demonstrate a gesture" focuses on showing the gesture itself, while "indicate through a gesture" emphasizes using the gesture as a means of conveying information or signaling something.