gesture of thanks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gesture of thanks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing gratitude or appreciation in a formal or informal context. Example: "She offered a small gesture of thanks by bringing cookies to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

A gesture of thanks for that all-expenses-paid trip through life so far?

The New Yorker

Cale's hands, held aloft in a gesture of thanks, parted the crowd like a shark's fin.

The New Yorker

The former vice president looked overwhelmed, patting his hand to his heart in a silent gesture of thanks.

The New York Times

They gathered at midcourt and threw tiny yellow basketballs to the crowd, as a gesture of thanks.

The New York Times

He basked in their attention with a delighted smile, and put a hand over his heart in the traditional gesture of thanks and respect.

The New York Times - Sports

"When the buckets are full, Clarence lays a handful of berries on a leaf" as a gesture of thanks to the animals.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

As he stood on the highest step of the victory podium after the German Grand Prix today, Rubens Barrichello had several good reasons to break out in tears and make gestures of thanks to a man in the heavens.

The New York Times - Sports

Gestures of thanks were honest and heartfelt.

Huffington Post

His job was to look happy and appreciative, and he did; he turned from side to side, beaming, putting his palms together in a gesture of greeting and thanks.

The New Yorker

It's a generous gift of thanks and gesture of love for his 40,000 soundcloud fans.

Vice

Girls touched by his gesture of solidarity have tweeted their thanks to Garcia.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gesture of thanks", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being thanked for. Be specific to enhance the sincerity of your expression.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on general gestures without articulating specific reasons for gratitude. Generic actions can seem insincere; personalize your "gesture of thanks" to reflect genuine appreciation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gesture of thanks" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It names a specific kind of action, conveying appreciation or gratitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears in various contexts, highlighting its versatility in expressing thankfulness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gesture of thanks" is a versatile and commonly used expression for showing appreciation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, making it a reliable choice for expressing gratitude. Alternatives like "token of appreciation" or "act of gratitude" offer similar meanings, while personalizing your expression ensures sincerity. Remember to be specific in your thanks to enhance the impact of your "gesture of thanks".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

token of appreciation

Replaces "gesture" with "token" emphasizing a physical or symbolic item representing thanks.

act of gratitude

Substitutes "gesture" with "act", focusing on the action taken to show thanks.

expression of thankfulness

Replaces "gesture of thanks" with a more explicit expression of feeling.

sign of acknowledgment

Focuses on recognizing someone's contribution or help rather than direct thanks.

show of appreciation

Highlights the demonstration of valuing someone's actions or qualities.

demonstration of gratitude

Similar to "show of appreciation" but emphasizes the feeling of gratitude.

courtesy gesture

Emphasizes the politeness and respect implied in the action of thanks.

thank-you present

Highlights the gift or item given as thanks.

formal acknowledgement

More formal way to express or show appreciation.

debt of gratitude

Emphasizes a feeling of obligation to reciprocate or repay for a kindness.

FAQs

What are some physical examples of a "gesture of thanks"?

A "gesture of thanks" can be a handshake, a bow, a hug, or even offering a gift. The specific gesture depends on cultural context and the relationship between the individuals involved.

How can I make my "gesture of thanks" more meaningful?

Personalize your "gesture of thanks" by explaining specifically what you are thankful for and why it matters to you. Sincerity enhances the impact of any expression of gratitude.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "gesture of thanks"?

You can use alternatives like "token of appreciation", "act of gratitude", or "expression of thankfulness" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between a "gesture of thanks" and a "gesture of gratitude"?

While similar, "gesture of thanks" directly implies an expression of gratitude for something specific. "Gesture of gratitude" can be broader, encompassing a general feeling of thankfulness or appreciation.