kind gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

'kind gesture' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a thoughtful action to show kindness and consideration of someone else. For example: Her small but kind gesture of bringing me flowers made me smile.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a small but kind gesture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Say thank you for every thoughtful or kind gesture.

The New York Times

"It's a really, really kind gesture," Qureshi said.

The New York Times - Sports

Both epic and intimate, the big painting centers on a slight, kind gesture.

The New Yorker

Irving's retainer, however, had been only a kind gesture to a struggling young author.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then Marian Gaborik did the kind gesture of sending me to bed.

The New Yorker

Well, they made a few, so I thought it would be a kind gesture.

The New Yorker

Often, this kind gesture, though small, can make a world of difference.

The Washington Post

The next day, I decide to take it into work with me as a kind gesture.

The Guardian

He took the heavy bag from me, in what felt like a kind gesture.

The New York Times

"And as someone who cares about the environment, I thought it was a very kind gesture.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind gesture" to highlight acts of thoughtfulness, generosity, or compassion, especially when describing how these actions impact others positively. Framing the act as a "kind gesture" emphasizes its beneficial nature and the giver's positive intentions.

Common error

Avoid using "kind gesture" sarcastically or in situations where the action is insincere, as this can create confusion and undermine your intended meaning. Ensure the context reflects genuine kindness to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "kind" modifies the noun "gesture". As seen in Ludwig, this construction highlights the positive and considerate nature of an action. It emphasizes the intention behind the act, portraying it as thoughtful and benevolent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

28%

HuffPost

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Opinion

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind gesture" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe an act of goodwill, thoughtfulness, or generosity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, with its use particularly prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources. The phrase serves to express appreciation and highlight positive interactions. For alternative expressions, consider "thoughtful act", "benevolent deed", or "compassionate action". When using "kind gesture", ensure that the action is indeed sincere to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoughtful act

Replaces "gesture" with a more explicit term for an action.

considerate action

Highlights the thoughtfulness and care involved.

benevolent deed

Uses a more formal word for "kind" and a stronger word for "gesture".

gracious act

Emphasizes the politeness and elegance of the gesture.

compassionate action

Highlights the empathy behind the gesture.

selfless act

Emphasizes the lack of personal gain in the gesture.

charitable act

Suggests generosity and giving.

generous deed

Focuses on the magnanimity of the action.

altruistic gesture

Uses a more formal and emphatic adjective.

good turn

Offers a more idiomatic and less formal alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "kind gesture" in a sentence?

You can use "kind gesture" to describe any act of goodwill or thoughtfulness. For example, "Her bringing me flowers was a "kind gesture" that brightened my day."

What are some alternatives to "kind gesture"?

You can use alternatives such as "thoughtful act", "benevolent deed", or "compassionate action" to express a similar sentiment.

Is "kind gesture" formal or informal?

"Kind gesture" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of your writing. In more formal contexts, you might prefer "gracious act" or "altruistic gesture".

What makes an action a "kind gesture"?

A "kind gesture" is characterized by its intent to bring comfort, joy, or assistance to someone else. It often involves going out of one's way to do something nice, whether it's a small act of help or a grand display of generosity.