gesture of appreciation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gesture of appreciation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an action taken to show gratitude or appreciation, usually for an act or service that someone has done for you. Example: I wanted to give my friend a small gesture of appreciation for helping me move, so I bought her a bouquet of flowers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

At the very least, help at tax time is a gesture of appreciation.

The New York Times

At 21, in a gesture of appreciation, he legally changed his surname from Cox to Leveille, his mother's maiden name.

The New York Times

Our Canadian liaison is out today for the holiday, so I can't confirm the average North American gesture of appreciation and warm feelings).

The New Yorker

She declined but, in 1942, did accept a bonus payment of $50,000 that he sent her as a gesture of appreciation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Dean presented them to Mr. Davis at the Grammy awards as a gesture of appreciation for helping him start his own label, Full Surface Records, years earlier.

The New York Times

In a gesture of appreciation for U.S. financial backing, Barak, the Israeli defense minister, gave Panetta a glass-encased model of an Iron Dome battery during a news conference at the Pentagon on Thursday.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

As gestures of appreciation go, "Mamaleh!" is sweet but unremarkable.

The New York Times

Government officials made only quiet gestures of appreciation for the billions of dollars immigrants send home each year -- Mexico's third largest source of income after oil and tourism.

The New York Times

Make proactive gestures of appreciation a part of your weekly routine.

Huffington Post

To my music partner in Phillip Sheppard's workshop, I wrote: "Nice to sing with you!" Before I left Montreal, my inbox was full of follow-ups with gestures of appreciation back, and the lines of communication opened.

Huffington Post

The citation, like many others from the Nobel committee, was more politic than political; a gesture of international appreciation that nevertheless shied away from supporting her activism.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the "gesture of appreciation", be specific about what the gesture entails. Instead of just saying "he gave a gesture of appreciation", explain what he did: "he sent a gift as a gesture of appreciation".

Common error

Avoid using "gesture of appreciation" when a simple 'thank you' would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted or insincere. A sincere, simple acknowledgment is frequently more impactful than an elaborate "gesture of appreciation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gesture of appreciation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or verb. It describes a specific action or symbol intended to convey thankfulness or gratitude. Ludwig examples show it used in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Huffington Post

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gesture of appreciation" is a noun phrase used to describe an action taken to show gratitude or thankfulness. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki sources. While generally neutral to professional in register, it’s essential to use it appropriately and avoid overuse. Alternatives like "gesture of gratitude" or "token of appreciation" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gesture of gratitude

Replaces "appreciation" with "gratitude", emphasizing thankfulness.

gesture of thanks

Uses a more concise term, "thanks", to convey gratitude.

token of appreciation

Highlights a tangible item representing gratitude rather than an action.

expression of gratitude

Emphasizes the verbal or outward display of thankfulness.

act of kindness

Focuses on the benevolent nature of the gesture, rather than specifically appreciation.

sign of recognition

Indicates acknowledgment or notice, which can overlap with appreciation.

demonstration of gratitude

Emphasizes the act of showing or proving thankfulness.

show of appreciation

Highlights the act of displaying gratitude publicly.

display of thankfulness

Replaces "appreciation" with "thankfulness", focusing on the emotion displayed.

gesture of goodwill

Indicates a friendly or helpful intention, not necessarily direct appreciation.

FAQs

What does "gesture of appreciation" mean?

A "gesture of appreciation" is an action, often symbolic, that expresses gratitude or thankfulness for something someone has done. It's a way of showing that you value their efforts or contributions.

How can I use "gesture of appreciation" in a sentence?

You can use "gesture of appreciation" to describe an action taken to show gratitude, such as "The company sent a gift basket as a gesture of appreciation for the team's hard work."

What are some alternatives to "gesture of appreciation"?

You can use alternatives like "gesture of gratitude", "token of appreciation", or "sign of recognition" depending on the context.

Is "gesture of appreciation" formal or informal?

The phrase "gesture of appreciation" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for use in both professional and personal contexts where you want to express gratitude in a meaningful way.