display a gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "display a gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of showing or expressing a physical sign or movement, often to convey a message or emotion. Example: "During the meeting, she decided to display a gesture of goodwill by offering her hand to shake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If the M.T.A. truly wants to display a gesture of good will to its riders, then it should schedule track work only at night and maintain smooth negotiations with the Transport Workers Union so that we can enjoy the holiday season in a relatively tranquil manner.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Displaying a dramatic gesture of humility.

Los Angeles Times

So this year on Valentine's Day go ahead and display a grand romantic gesture, as it will create a happy memory and en you some relationship points.

Huffington Post

Samba was substituted at half-time in apparent distress at the abuse but the Congo defender faces a Russian Football Union charge he displayed an "unpleasant gesture" to Torpedo fans.

The Guardian - Sport

Oxy's Republican Students initiated the display of miniature flags as a gesture toward the idea of never forgetting September 11th.

Huffington Post

Children in a transitional state tend to display a mismatch between their gesture and their speech during an explanation.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

It continues with paintings by Lee Krasner, Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and others in an impressive display of gesture among sculptural counterparts by John Chamberlain and Mark di Suvero.

Huffington Post

So everything is delicately poised between this and that, between a kind of grandiosity of display and gesture, and the vague threat of a disappointing meanness or smallness of outcome.

Independent

But she transforms this technical display into a dramatic gesture — a fusion of the airy and the earthy, a dream that turns into a demand.

The New Yorker

These figures, while retaining the dignity and monumentality of their predecessors, have individualized faces and figures, as well as full, flowing draperies and natural poses and gestures, and they display a classical poise that suggests an awareness of antique Roman models on the part of their creators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Adams, a private man, was uncomfortable with public-relations gestures, and he could display a rough edge.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "display a gesture", consider the context and choose a synonym if a more formal or informal tone is desired. For example, in academic writing, "exhibit a gesture" might be more appropriate, while in casual conversation, "show a gesture" could be preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "display" too frequently in informal writing or conversation. Overuse can make your language sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "show" or "make" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "display a gesture" functions as a verb phrase where "display" acts as a transitive verb taking "a gesture" as its object. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase describes the act of showing or exhibiting a particular action or signal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "display a gesture" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of showing or exhibiting a particular action or signal. According to Ludwig AI, while the phrase is valid and understandable, it is more common to use simpler alternatives such as "show a gesture" or "make a gesture", especially in informal settings. The analysis indicates that the phrase is frequently found in news and media, science, and encyclopedia sources. When writing, consider the context and choose the most appropriate synonym to achieve the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show a gesture

Replaces "display" with the more common synonym "show", maintaining the same meaning.

exhibit a gesture

Substitutes "display" with "exhibit", implying a more formal or deliberate presentation of the gesture.

make a gesture

Uses "make" instead of "display", focusing on the creation or performance of the gesture.

offer a gesture

Emphasizes the act of presenting or extending the gesture to someone.

present a gesture

Similar to "offer a gesture", but with a slightly more formal connotation of presenting something.

perform a gesture

Highlights the execution or carrying out of the gesture.

express through a gesture

Focuses on the use of a gesture as a means of communication or conveying emotion.

convey with a gesture

Similar to "express through a gesture", emphasizing the transmission of information or feeling.

signal with a gesture

Highlights the use of a gesture to send a specific signal or message.

indicate by a gesture

Focuses on the use of a gesture to point out or suggest something.

FAQs

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

You can use "display a gesture" to describe someone showing a particular action or signal, such as "During the negotiation, she decided to "display a gesture" of goodwill by offering a compromise".

What can I say instead of "display a gesture"?

You can use alternatives like "show a gesture", "make a gesture", or "exhibit a gesture" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "display a gesture" or "show a gesture"?

Both ""display a gesture"" and "show a gesture" are correct, although "show a gesture" is generally more common and less formal.

What's the difference between "display a gesture" and "perform a gesture"?

"Display a gesture" implies showing a particular action, while "perform a gesture" emphasizes the execution or carrying out of that action.