in goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

"in goodwill" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe an action or an agreement, emphasizing that it is made with the best of intentions. For example, "The companies agreed to end their dispute in goodwill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have received an apology and an extra £40 in goodwill.

The Guardian - Money

The company is also assessing $4.78 billion in goodwill, which relates to acquired assets, he said.

The New York Times

Many people think that all they will find in Goodwill stores is schlock.

The New York Times

JDS Uniphase has written off $51 billion in goodwill and intangibles.This can be helpful in several ways.

The Economist

Protest organisers have told police that confrontations over such issues at demonstrations would result in "a rapid loss in goodwill".

The Guardian

He was one of the first navigator-pilots of B-17 bombers and took part in goodwill flights in the Flying Fortresses.

The New York Times

The day after I contacted Thomas Cook both your accounts were cashed in at a preferential rate and you were promised £100 in goodwill.

The Guardian - Money

Trump's weak standing among those who didn't vote for him represents an acceleration of a long-term decline in goodwill toward presidents during their early months.

The Washington Post

The company was ordered to apologise, issue an accurate bill, refund my credit and pay me £75 in goodwill within 28 days.

The Guardian - Money

We see young Diane aping the Vogue model Penelope Tree (the very long bangs, the very short minis), getting C-minuses in English and rummaging in Goodwill bins for castoff fabric, which her mother sewed into nifty outfits.

The New York Times - Books

That is a reminder of the long-accepted reality here: that despite thousands of Americans lives lost and the billions in goodwill projects for Iraqis, America is also leaving behind something that is not-quite peace.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in goodwill" to emphasize the positive and cooperative intention behind an action, decision, or agreement. It's particularly effective in contexts where building or maintaining positive relationships is important.

Common error

Avoid using "in goodwill" when referring to legal or financial contexts where specific terms like "good faith" or "intangible assets" are more appropriate. "In goodwill" is better suited for describing general positive intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in goodwill" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the manner or spirit in which an action is performed. It specifies that something is done with positive intentions or benevolence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's about describing actions with the best of intentions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in goodwill" is a common prepositional phrase used to describe actions carried out with positive intentions and a desire for cooperation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. Analysis of multiple sources reveals its prevalence in news, business, and general contexts. The phrase suggests a benevolent motivation and aim to foster positive relationships. While generally neutral, its formality can shift depending on the context. Alternative phrases like "with good intentions" or "in good faith" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Remember to reserve it for general positive intentions rather than technical legal or financial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with good intentions

Focuses specifically on the intent behind an action.

in good faith

Implies honesty and sincerity in one's actions or dealings.

with benevolence

Highlights the quality of being well-meaning and kindly.

out of kindness

Emphasizes the compassionate motivation behind an act.

in a spirit of cooperation

Emphasizes the collaborative aspect and positive working relationship.

with charitable intent

Highlights the charitable aspect behind actions done.

for the common good

Focuses on the benefit to society or a group as the primary motivation.

with altruism

Highlights selfless concern for the well-being of others.

in a friendly manner

Focuses on politeness and amiability.

with generous spirit

Highlights generosity and willingness to give.

FAQs

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

You can use "in goodwill" to describe actions performed with positive intentions, such as "The project was undertaken "in goodwill" to improve community relations".

What are some alternatives to "in goodwill"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "with good intentions", "in good faith", or "with benevolence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "in goodwill"?

It's appropriate to use "in goodwill" when describing situations where actions are motivated by positive intent and a desire to foster positive relationships or outcomes.

Is "in goodwill" the same as "in good faith"?

While both phrases imply positive intentions, "in good faith" often carries a stronger legal or contractual implication of honesty and sincerity, whereas "in goodwill" typically emphasizes a more general sense of benevolence and cooperation.