kindly action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kindly action" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used when referring to an action that is done in a kind or considerate manner, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "I appreciate your kindly action in helping me with my project."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The editorial suffering caused by this kindly action was indescribable.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Facebook, as you might expect, did not take kindly to that action.

TechCrunch

She gave few details about how she ended up leaving Mexico with the girl, although she said she knows many would not look kindly on her actions.

The Guardian

The mayor's public comments about the project were mild, a Bloomberg administration official said, but were nevertheless meant to signal that he would not look kindly upon such actions from the Council in the future, especially those that involve low-cost housing.

The New York Times

However, the history books of the time did not speak kindly of his actions.

Wikipedia

If the first African-American president loses his reelection bid because of certain black pastors' homophobic views on marriage equality, that would be tragic, and history would not look kindly on their actions.

Huffington Post

He's as much of a draw for Ibiza as Disneyworld is for Florida, and despite this has kept his "nicest man in techno" reputation fully intact, kindly tolerating some evasive action I had to take while chatting to him after a heavy night, not enough water, one disgusting panini, and a lot of direct sunlight.

Vice

He's as much of a draw for Ibiza as Disneyworld is for Florida, and despite this has kept his "nicest man in techno" reputation fully intact, kindly tolerating some evasive action I had to take while chatting to him after a heavy night, not enough water, one disgusting panini and a lot of direct sunlight.

Vice

When the campaign to save it kicked into action, the brewery kindly responded by moving the closure date forward from mid-November, to last Sunday, the 17th of August.

Vice

Ms. Rice let it be known that the United States would not look kindly on Mr. Kibaki's actions and pointedly called for him to compromise, saying, "The time for a political settlement was yesterday".

The New York Times

Pulitzer Prize winning historian Jon Meacham, who has been a frequent Trump critic, predicted that history would not judge Trump's actions on Saturday kindly.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more common alternatives as "thoughtful act" or "considerate gesture" since "kindly action" is not very common

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "kindly" to describe actions. While grammatically correct, it can sound somewhat formal or old-fashioned. Instead, choose adjectives that more precisely reflect the intent and impact of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kindly action" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "kindly" modifies the noun "action". It describes the nature or quality of the action, indicating that it is performed with kindness or benevolence. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is acceptable, but not very common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kindly action" is a grammatically acceptable phrase used to describe an action performed with kindness. However, Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is not very common, and alternative phrases like "thoughtful act" or "considerate gesture" are more frequently used and might sound more natural. The phrase is most often found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral to slightly formal tone. While correct, it is recommended to consider stronger, more descriptive adjectives to convey the specific nature of the kindness involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoughtful act

Replaces "kindly" with "thoughtful", emphasizing the considerate nature of the action.

considerate gesture

Uses "considerate" instead of "kindly", highlighting the action's regard for others.

benevolent deed

Substitutes "kindly" with "benevolent" and "action" with "deed", suggesting a charitable or well-meaning act.

compassionate act

Emphasizes the empathy behind the action by using "compassionate".

gracious action

Highlights the courteous and refined nature of the action with "gracious".

humane act

Focuses on the action's contribution to human welfare by using "humane".

altruistic gesture

Replaces both words to highlight selflessness.

caring act

Simple substitution to indicate a caring, tender deed.

well-intentioned act

Replaces "kindly" with a phrase to emphasis the good intentions behind an action.

good deed

Simple substitution to highlight general goodness or virtue.

FAQs

What does "kindly" mean in the phrase "kindly action"?

In the phrase "kindly action", "kindly" means the action is done with kindness, benevolence, or a considerate manner. It describes the quality of the action as being thoughtful and well-intentioned.

What are some alternatives to "kindly action"?

Some alternatives to "kindly action" include "thoughtful act", "considerate gesture", "compassionate act", or "benevolent deed". These phrases convey a similar meaning while potentially sounding more natural or contemporary.

Is it grammatically correct to say "kindly action"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it is not a commonly used phrase. There are more standard and natural-sounding ways to express the same idea, such as "thoughtful act" or "considerate gesture".

In what contexts might I use "kindly action"?

You might use "kindly action" in formal writing or when trying to emphasize the benevolent nature of an action. However, in most everyday contexts, a more common alternative like "thoughtful act" or "considerate gesture" would be preferable.