expression of goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "expression of goodwill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing friendly gestures or kind words. For example, "My company extended an expression of goodwill to our rivals in order to smooth over a disagreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This is something often seen in the Kingdom with regards to women's rights: a promise and an expression of goodwill scuppered due to bureaucracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Christmas card, form of greeting card usually sent by mail as an expression of goodwill at Christmastime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The letter says that Google requires more than just an expression of goodwill from the Lahore High Court; it needs a "legislative change" in Pakistan that insures Intermediary Liability Protection for Web forums in general).

The New Yorker

Today is a break from the usual spring training routine, an expression of goodwill by the Yankees, who have already donated $1 million to a memorial fund for the victims of last April's campus massacre.

The New York Times

And now, thanks to BizRate.com and Shopzilla Founder Farhad Mohit, there is, as they say, an app for that expression of goodwill.

TechCrunch

In his papal bull Exultavit cor nostrum, Urban congratulated Hulagu on his expression of goodwill towards the Christian faith, and encouraged him to convert to Christianity.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Such expressions of goodwill after an Old Firm game?

The Guardian - Sport

When it was revealed, in 2014, that Sager had been diagnosed with leukemia, expressions of goodwill toward him proliferated, elevating him to the status of a league-wide saint.

The New Yorker

FOR all the talk of security breaches and boycotts, the first Saudi Arabian state visit to Britain in 20 years passed off as these things usually do with mutual expressions of goodwill and a few minor agreements.

The Economist

Again, we should not be naive in assuming that the recent election of the "reform-minded" Hassan Rouhani as Iranian president, and recent semi-official expressions of goodwill towards Jews, mean that Iran is now a force for peace in the region.

Independent

Since the initial presentation, we have reached out to the community in a number of ways, and we are truly humbled by the overwhelming support and many expressions of goodwill we have received.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expression of goodwill", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific action or communication that constitutes the goodwill. For example, describe the gesture, statement, or donation that represents the goodwill.

Common error

Avoid using "expression of goodwill" in contexts where the specific act of kindness is unclear or undefined. Always provide concrete details about what constitutes the "goodwill" to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression of goodwill" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig indicates it's a valid and usable phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object in a sentence, describing an action or communication meant to convey positive intentions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expression of goodwill" is a grammatically sound and widely understood term used to describe actions or communications intended to convey kindness, support, or positive intent. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in news media and formal communications. Related phrases include "gesture of kindness" and "act of generosity", which offer similar nuances. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the specific action that constitutes the goodwill to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gesture of kindness

Replaces "expression" with a more direct term for an action, maintaining the focus on positive intent.

act of generosity

Emphasizes the charitable or magnanimous nature of the action.

token of appreciation

Highlights the gratitude being conveyed through the action.

sign of amicability

Focuses on fostering a friendly or peaceful relationship.

show of support

Emphasizes the act of providing assistance or encouragement.

friendly overture

Replaces "expression" with a term that suggests an initial move to establish a relationship.

benevolent action

Highlights the kind and well-meaning nature of the action.

gracious gesture

Focuses on the politeness and refinement of the act.

harmonious initiative

Highlights the peaceful and collaborative intention behind the action.

olive branch

Metaphorically represents an offer of peace or reconciliation.

FAQs

How can I use "expression of goodwill" in a sentence?

You can use "expression of goodwill" to describe a friendly gesture or kind action intended to foster positive relations. For example, "The company's donation was an "expression of goodwill" towards the community".

What are some alternatives to "expression of goodwill"?

Alternatives include "gesture of kindness", "act of generosity", or "sign of amicability", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "an expression of goodwill" or "a show of goodwill"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "an "expression of goodwill"" emphasizes the communication or symbolic nature of the act, while "a show of goodwill" highlights the demonstration or outward display of positive intent.

What's the difference between "expression of goodwill" and "gesture of goodwill"?

"Expression" refers more to the communication of positive feelings, while "gesture of goodwill" implies a specific action taken to demonstrate those feelings. The terms are often interchangeable, but "gesture" suggests a more concrete action.