gesture of kindness

USAGE SUMMARY

"gesture of kindness" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to any type of kind action or consideration. For example, "The soup kitchen volunteer showed a gesture of kindness by helping serve meals to the homeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The flight lasted 90 minutes and, again, we were dealt a gesture of kindness.

The New York Times

The gesture of kindness led to the activist leading the protest to break down in tears.

The Guardian

"Keep in mind that every gesture of kindness that your host makes, you must reciprocate," Ms. Lett advises.

The New York Times

There is one small gesture of kindness: a young girl stepping happily into her future leaves Minetti her cassette player.

The Guardian

Despite the unusual gesture of kindness, Ms. May said she was surprised by the depth of her guests' gratitude.

The New York Times

Mr. Menda scoffs at the idea that withholding notification of prisoners' executions is a gesture of kindness.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Of course, we all know about random gestures of kindness.

Independent

Those priorities, and the accumulation of small gestures of kindness, have built a deep reservoir of good will for Hoffman.

The New York Times - Sports

But over the more than 30 years that I knew him, I witnessed numerous gestures of kindness that gave him no particular payback.

The New York Times

He recalled his odyssey through the Russian legal system, from arrest at sea to confinement in grim, concrete prisons where guards showed occasional gestures of kindness.

The New York Times

As they walked across Macedonia, Aboud Shalhoub and his brother Amer felt unsure of how to respond to gestures of kindness and assistance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "gesture of kindness", be specific about the action and its impact on the recipient to convey the full meaning and emotional weight.

Common error

Avoid using "gesture of kindness" in overly sentimental or cliché situations. Opt for more specific and nuanced language to describe the action and its effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gesture of kindness" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific action or behavior intended to express goodwill, compassion, or generosity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gesture of kindness" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe actions expressing goodwill and compassion. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s versatile enough for general use, but it's important to be specific in describing the action to enhance its impact. Predominantly found in news and media, and Wiki sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. While other similar phrases exist, such as "act of goodwill" or "expression of compassion", "gesture of kindness" effectively captures the essence of thoughtful and considerate actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act of goodwill

Focuses on the positive intention behind the action.

expression of compassion

Highlights the empathetic aspect of the kind action.

thoughtful deed

Emphasizes the consideration involved in the act.

benevolent act

Stresses the generous and charitable nature of the gesture.

friendly gesture

Highlights the amicable and warm nature of the action.

gracious act

Focuses on the courteous and refined quality of the kindness.

caring action

Emphasizes the concern and support conveyed by the act.

generous offering

Highlights the liberality and abundance of the kind act.

altruistic gesture

Emphasizes selflessness and concern for others.

humane act

Highlights the compassion and consideration for others.

FAQs

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

You can use "gesture of kindness" to describe a kind action or expression. For example, "Offering a warm meal to the homeless is a simple "gesture of kindness"." Always ensure the context clearly demonstrates the act of kindness.

What are some alternatives to "gesture of kindness"?

Alternatives include "act of goodwill", "expression of compassion", or "thoughtful deed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "act of kindness" or "gesture of kindness"?

Both "act of kindness" and "gesture of kindness" are correct and very similar in meaning. "Gesture" often implies a smaller or more symbolic action, while "act" can refer to something more substantial. The choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "gesture of kindness" and "random act of kindness"?

"Gesture of kindness" is a general term for any kind action. "Random act of kindness" specifically refers to an unplanned, spontaneous act of goodwill, often performed for a stranger. A "random act of kindness" is a subset of a general "gesture of kindness".