merely a gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely a gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is symbolic or insignificant, often implying that it lacks real substance or commitment. Example: "His apology felt like merely a gesture, lacking any real sincerity or intention to change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It appears merely a gesture of abhorrent rage on the judge's part.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is a review merely a gesture of enthusiasm or should it be held to a higher standard?

The New York Times - Tech

The presidential candidates blithely ignored them or openly dismissed the most extreme planks with a knowing wink as merely a gesture to pacify the noisiest activists in the party.

The New York Times

But, as is so often the case in Japan, there are worries that the changes are merely a gesture that will divert attention from bigger and more necessary steps.

The Economist

His novel smells of bars and jukeboxes, of boats and ideas, of a Roman Catholicism in the sweat tank of conscience, hoping for a symbol and achieving merely a gesture.

The New York Times - Books

For all of de Blasio and Bratton's fanfare, their action seems merely a gesture.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

They don't feel subtracted or elided from the filming but merely suppressed: a gesture that could signify modesty and respect, an ostensibly selfless devotion to the movie's participants and subjects, comes off as quietly evasive.

The New Yorker

In light of their extreme insignificance, this gesture of hers is revealed to be no more than merely that: a gesture.

Huffington Post

It was merely a "friendly gesture".

The New York Times

It was merely a threatening gesture, a warning.

The New York Times

But the glasses are not merely a defensive gesture.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely a gesture" to downplay the significance of an action, suggesting it lacks substance or genuine intent. For instance, "The donation was viewed as "merely a gesture" by critics, who argued it didn't address the company's environmental impact."

Common error

Avoid using "merely a gesture" when the action has a clear, significant impact. This phrase is most effective when highlighting the inadequacy or superficiality of an action, not when minimizing genuine efforts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely a gesture" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It qualifies the noun 'gesture', indicating that the gesture is not substantial or meaningful, but rather a superficial or symbolic act. As seen on Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to express skepticism or criticism towards an action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely a gesture" is a phrase used to diminish the importance or sincerity of an action, implying that it is superficial or symbolic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you are accurately reflecting the limited impact or insincerity of the action you are describing. Alternatives such as "just a formality" or "simply a token" can offer similar nuance depending on the specific context. Its usage frequency is uncommon, suggesting it is not an everyday phrase but is readily understood in a variety of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a formality

Focuses on the procedural or routine aspect of the action, implying it lacks true significance.

simply a token

Emphasizes the symbolic and often inadequate nature of the gesture.

only a show

Highlights the performative aspect, suggesting the action is primarily for appearance.

a symbolic act

Directly describes the gesture as representing something else, often without real impact.

a superficial effort

Indicates a lack of depth or genuine commitment in the action.

an empty promise

Suggests the gesture is insincere and unlikely to be fulfilled.

a hollow display

Emphasizes the lack of substance or genuine emotion behind the gesture.

a meaningless action

Highlights the lack of purpose or impact of the gesture.

a futile attempt

Implies the gesture is ineffective and unlikely to achieve the desired result.

a cosmetic change

Suggests the gesture only alters the surface without addressing underlying issues.

FAQs

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

You can use "merely a gesture" to describe an action that is symbolic or insignificant, often implying it lacks real substance or commitment. Example: "His apology felt like "merely a gesture", lacking any real sincerity or intention to change."

What can I say instead of "merely a gesture"?

You can use alternatives like "just a formality", "simply a token", or "only a show" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "just a gesture" instead of "merely a gesture"?

Yes, "just a gesture" carries a similar meaning to "merely a gesture", both implying that the action is primarily symbolic or of little real consequence. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "merely a gesture" and "a sincere effort"?

"Merely a gesture" suggests a lack of genuine commitment or impact, while "a sincere effort" implies a genuine attempt to achieve something. They are contrasting in that one downplays an action, and the other emphasizes its positive intent and potential impact.