goodwill basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a goodwill basis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in the context of a mutually beneficial agreement or decision between two parties. For example, "We decided to settle the dispute on a goodwill basis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Given the circumstances, and on a goodwill basis, the company has refunded the £399, so you can book the trip on the dates and times you want.

The Guardian - Money

The incendiary debate is now spreading into theatres and concert halls, and to venues outside London where long hours are frequently worked on a goodwill basis.

The Guardian

"We have been regularly surveying for antimicrobial resistance for many years, and we've been doing that without specific funding other than well-intended industry support done on a goodwill basis in hospitals," Iredell, from the University of Sydney, said.

The Guardian

Given that our staff and elected officials have been in the loop and working on a positive, goodwill basis with NBR for many years, I anticipate that positive discussions between the property owner, our staff and elected officials will continue to develop.

Los Angeles Times

Many respondents painted a picture of growing co-operation at this time: as one trust chief executive put it: 'If you ain't got enough money to come to the table to buy what you are ready to buy, then there is going to have to be a goodwill basis'.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The grant of self-government to Papua New Guinea by the Whitlam government came early enough to provide some basis for goodwill into the future.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet those who work in the public sector are already often far more efficient than the private sector, with staff working long hours for no extra pay on the basis of goodwill.

The Guardian - Opinion

Goodwill Ambassadors work on voluntary basis with UNICEF to attract people's attention to children's issues, and make valuable contributions to the organization's efforts in highlighting the situation of children and their needs.

Unicef

Under this method, goodwill is calculated on the basis of the average of several past years' profits.

WikiHow

If that happens, the company has said that as a gesture of goodwill, on a case by case basis, it will waive termination fees.

The Guardian - Money

But while those decisions will have been shaped by commercial considerations, UN goodwill ambassadors are appointed on the basis that they are "persons of integrity" who "possess the personality and dignity required for such high-level representative capacity".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "goodwill basis", ensure that all parties involved understand and agree that the arrangement is not legally binding but based on mutual trust and positive intentions. Make sure to document the agreement to avoid future misunderstandings.

Common error

A common mistake is to treat actions taken on a "goodwill basis" as legally enforceable obligations. Always clarify that the arrangement is non-binding to prevent potential disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goodwill basis" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the manner or condition under which an action is performed or a decision is made. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts where actions are based on mutual trust rather than legal obligation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "goodwill basis" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for indicating that an action or agreement is rooted in positive intentions and mutual trust rather than legal requirements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's particularly apt in contexts where cooperation and relationship-building are prioritized. While not overly common, it appears across various domains like news, business, and even scientific discussions. To ensure clarity, especially in professional settings, it's important to make sure that all parties involved are aware of the non-binding nature of such arrangements. Using alternatives like ""in good faith"" or ""as a gesture of goodwill"" can provide similar connotations while maintaining the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a gesture of goodwill

Highlights the act as a symbolic expression of positive intentions.

as a friendly gesture

Underlines the act as an expression of friendship and goodwill.

in good faith

Stresses the honesty and sincerity behind the action or agreement.

with benevolent intentions

Emphasizes the kind and generous motivation behind the action.

in the spirit of cooperation

Focuses on the collaborative and supportive atmosphere surrounding the action.

out of generosity

Highlights the act as stemming from a willingness to give and share.

on amicable terms

Focuses on the friendly and cooperative nature of the agreement.

on a voluntary basis

Emphasizes the willingness to act without compensation, similar to the spirit of goodwill.

on a cooperative basis

Emphasizes the collaborative and mutually beneficial nature of the arrangement.

by mutual consent

Highlights the agreement and shared understanding between parties.

FAQs

What does it mean to act on a "goodwill basis"?

Acting on a "goodwill basis" means that an action is taken voluntarily and without expectation of legal obligation, driven by positive intentions and mutual benefit.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "goodwill basis"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that an agreement or action is based on trust and mutual understanding rather than strict legal terms, such as offering a refund "as a gesture of goodwill".

What are some alternatives to "goodwill basis"?

You can use alternatives like "in good faith", "on amicable terms", or "on a voluntary basis" depending on the specific context.

How does "goodwill basis" differ from a legally binding agreement?

A "goodwill basis" arrangement relies on trust and positive intentions, while a legally binding agreement is enforceable by law. The former is flexible, the latter is rigid.