gesture of goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

'gesture of goodwill' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to any kind of act or expression of kindness intended to be a sign of goodwill. For example, "Our teacher surprised us with a gesture of goodwill by buying us a treat to celebrate the end of the school year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Was that a gesture of goodwill by the regime?

The Economist

But they threw in England as a gesture of goodwill".

The Guardian - Sport

In addition, we have offered a gesture of goodwill".

The Guardian - Money

"The government said this was a gesture of goodwill.

The Guardian

Iraqi authorities said Damascus acted in a gesture of goodwill.

The Guardian

We have also provided a gesture of goodwill [of £100] for the inconvenience caused".

Independent

A spokesman apologised, adding: "As a gesture of goodwill, we've added £50 to the sum owed".

Independent

An offer of £100 as a gesture of goodwill has also been made".

Independent

As "a gesture of goodwill", Mr Kabbah told Executive Outcomes to leave.

The Economist

We have also added a gesture of goodwill which has reduced the balance further to £200".

Independent

Npower agreed to clear your account as a gesture of goodwill.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gesture of goodwill", ensure the context clearly indicates the positive intention behind the action. Be specific about what the gesture entails to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "gesture of goodwill" to describe actions that are self-serving or lack genuine intent. Misusing the phrase can undermine your credibility and appear disingenuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gesture of goodwill" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes an action or offering that is intended as a symbolic act of kindness or conciliation. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples showing its use to describe actions intended to signal positive intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gesture of goodwill" is a noun phrase used to describe an act intended as a symbol of kindness or conciliation. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts. It serves the communicative purpose of expressing a willingness to improve relations or resolve conflicts. While the phrase is versatile, it’s important to ensure sincerity to avoid misuse. The phrase enjoys common use across multiple authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sign of conciliation

Directly indicates an intention to reconcile.

act of kindness

Focuses on the inherent kindness of the action, rather than its symbolic value.

token of friendship

Emphasizes the bond between parties.

amicable gesture

Indicates a friendly and cooperative approach.

friendly overture

Emphasizes the intention to initiate or improve a relationship.

benevolent act

Stresses the generosity and charitable nature of the action.

conciliatory action

Highlights the aim to resolve conflict or disagreement.

peace offering

Suggests an attempt to restore peace after a dispute.

show of support

Highlights the act of providing assistance or encouragement.

harmonious move

Highlights the intention to create or maintain harmony.

FAQs

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

You can use "gesture of goodwill" to describe an action intended as a sign of positive intent or kindness. For example, "The company offered a refund as a "gesture of goodwill" after the product malfunctioned."

What are some alternatives to "gesture of goodwill"?

Alternatives to "gesture of goodwill" include "act of kindness", "friendly overture", or "sign of conciliation depending on the specific context".

Is it appropriate to use "gesture of goodwill" in formal writing?

Yes, "gesture of goodwill" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and widely understood phrase that can be used in various professional and academic contexts.

What distinguishes a "gesture of goodwill" from a simple act of kindness?

While both involve positive actions, a "gesture of goodwill" often carries a symbolic weight, intended to signal positive intentions, reconciliation, or improved relations. A simple "act of kindness" may be more spontaneous and less strategically motivated.