on a goodwill basis

USAGE SUMMARY

'on a goodwill basis' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually implies that an agreement or transaction is taking place without any legal or binding consequence. For example, "I'm lending you the money on a goodwill basis, with no expectations of repayment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 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

"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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not only do you have more to thank them for, but you also probably have to live or work with them on a regular basis, so you want to build as much goodwill as possible.

WikiHow

Between the fourth quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2009 UBS made losses of 13% of risk-adjusted assets on an underlying basis (ie, before tax, goodwill and movements on its own debt).

The Economist

And, as further evidence of the goodwill between them, Slowe says that even after he leaves he'll be available to Reddit on a contractual basis.

TechCrunch

The initiative was conceived by an advertising agency, BBDO West, which works for Goodwill of San Francisco on a pro-bono basis.

The New York Times

"Not on a regular basis".

The New Yorker

On a financial basis, meh.

The New York Times

It delivers payments on a consistent basis.

Independent

ShoeDazzle sells shoes on a subscription basis.

The New York Times

"At least not on a regular basis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a goodwill basis" to clearly communicate that an action or agreement is not legally binding and relies on trust and mutual understanding. For instance, when offering a service or concession without a formal contract, state that it is "on a goodwill basis" to manage expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "on a goodwill basis" when a formal agreement is necessary. If you need legal protection or a guarantee of performance, a written contract is essential. Don't rely on "goodwill" where clarity and enforcement are paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a goodwill basis" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the basis or condition under which an action is performed. As Ludwig confirms, this construction indicates that the action is undertaken without legal or binding obligation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

34%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a goodwill basis" is a prepositional phrase used to describe actions taken without legal obligation, motivated by trust and positive intent. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English. While grammatically sound and primarily used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring clarity and avoiding misunderstandings about implied obligations. When formal agreements are necessary, written contracts should be preferred over relying solely on "goodwill".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a gesture of goodwill

Emphasizes the action as a deliberate expression of positive sentiment.

out of the goodness of one's heart

Highlights the altruistic motivation behind the action.

as a favor

Simplifies the action to a helpful act without expecting anything in return.

without obligation

Focuses on the lack of any binding requirement.

as a courtesy

Suggests the action is done as a polite gesture.

pro bono

Specifically refers to providing services without charge, often in a professional context.

as a voluntary act

Highlights that the action is done freely and willingly.

on a complimentary basis

Implies something is provided free of charge as a perk or benefit.

in the spirit of cooperation

Suggests the action is motivated by a desire to work well with others.

as an act of charity

Frames the action as a charitable contribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a goodwill basis" to indicate that something is being done without legal obligation or expectation of reciprocation. For example, "The company provided the software update "as a gesture of goodwill"" or "We are offering this service "without obligation", on a goodwill basis".

What does "on a goodwill basis" mean?

The phrase "on a goodwill basis" means that an action, agreement, or transaction is based on trust and positive intentions, rather than legal or contractual requirements. It implies a voluntary act done "out of the goodness of one's heart".

What are some similar phrases to "on a goodwill basis"?

Similar phrases include "as a favor", "as a courtesy", "without obligation", or "pro bono", depending on the context. These phrases all suggest actions done voluntarily without expecting direct compensation.

Is it appropriate to offer something "on a goodwill basis" in a business context?

Yes, it can be appropriate in certain situations, such as resolving a customer complaint or providing a temporary service to maintain a positive relationship. However, it's important to clarify that it's not a binding commitment to avoid future misunderstandings. Make sure it's really "as a voluntary act".