empty gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action that appears to be meaningful but lacks real significance or impact. Example: "His apology felt like an empty gesture, as he continued to behave the same way afterward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was no empty gesture.

The Guardian - Music

Besides, censure is an empty gesture.

The Economist

It can't just be an empty gesture.

The Guardian

"I see this as an empty gesture.

The Guardian

This wasn't yet another empty gesture.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Morningstar's far from empty gesture sent two wrong signals.

The New York Times

Decommissioning could be (and may yet be) an empty gesture.

The Economist

"Withdrawal" was clearly, then, more than an empty gesture.

The Guardian

Mr. Heaney called the resignations an empty gesture.

The New York Times

You can file that comment in the empty gesture folder.

The New York Times

Mr. Assad's critics have dismissed the referendum as a cynical and empty gesture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "empty gesture", ensure the context clearly indicates why the action lacks genuine meaning or impact. Provide specific details to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "empty gesture" as a blanket statement. Always explain why the action is considered empty, providing specific evidence or reasoning. Otherwise, the phrase loses its impact and can sound like unsubstantiated criticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes an action or statement that lacks genuine meaning or effect. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty gesture" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe an action or statement that appears meaningful but lacks real impact or sincerity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. Alternatives include "hollow action" and "meaningless act". When using the phrase, it's crucial to provide context and explain why the action is considered empty to avoid sounding unsubstantiated. In summary, while "empty gesture" is a powerful and widely understood phrase, it should be used judiciously and with supporting evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hollow action

Emphasizes the lack of substance or genuineness in the action.

meaningless act

Focuses on the absence of purpose or significance in the action.

futile attempt

Highlights the ineffectiveness and pointlessness of the effort.

pointless exercise

Stresses the lack of value or benefit derived from the activity.

insincere display

Underscores the lack of genuine feeling or intent behind the outward expression.

token effort

Suggests that the effort made is minimal and symbolic, rather than substantial.

shallow promise

Highlights the superficiality and unreliability of the commitment.

cosmetic change

Implies that the alteration is merely superficial and does not address underlying issues.

symbolic gesture

Focuses on how action has no real effect on reality but has a purpose only to be a symbol of something else.

ostensible attempt

Highlights how something is pretended to be attempted in a good way when there are strong doubts it will happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "empty gesture" to describe an action that appears meaningful but lacks real substance or impact. For example: "His apology felt like an "empty gesture", as he continued to behave the same way afterward."

What are some alternatives to "empty gesture"?

You can use alternatives like "hollow action", "meaningless act", or "futile attempt" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "empty gesture" or "symbolic gesture"?

While both phrases describe actions with limited practical effect, "empty gesture" suggests insincerity or a lack of genuine intent, while "symbolic gesture" simply indicates that the action primarily serves as a representation or expression of something else.

What's the difference between an "empty gesture" and a "pointless exercise"?

An "empty gesture" implies a lack of sincerity or impact despite appearing meaningful, while a "pointless exercise" suggests an activity that yields no benefit or positive outcome, regardless of intent.