personal gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an action or gesture that someone does, usually to show kindness or sympathy, that is done out of their own personal feelings rather than out of obligation. For example, "My neighbor dropped off a plate of fresh-baked cookies as a personal gesture of sympathy when she heard about my mother's passing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

In addition, we are sending them a personal gesture.

The Guardian - Money

We've defined a "wow" as a "spontaneous, personal gesture now".

The New York Times

It is frequently in the nature of a warm personal gesture by the individual to himself".

Independent

The dedication was a small personal gesture and nothing to do with politics.

The Guardian

My enthusiasm could never be diminished by a personal gesture or homemade creation.

The New York Times

It was a personal gesture, but led to a public discussion.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I realized, as with coming out, that personal gestures ripple outward into politics.

The New Yorker

In fact, at several moments when it appeared Israel might be moving toward territorial concessions, he made personal gestures to emphasize his intention to stay.

The New York Times

In "American Floral," Maureen Ellenhorn seeks to combine humor and lyricism in a dance language that borrows from both classical dance forms and personal gestures.

The New York Times

The ice-cream swap helped to pave the way for lengthy phone calls, the sharing of family pictures and other personal gestures.

The Guardian

Finland's prime minister, Juha Sipila, has said he will give up his home to accommodate refugees, part of a growing trend of politicians making personal gestures to help those fleeing war and persecution.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "personal gesture" to show that the person has put a lot of thought into it.

Common error

While "personal gesture" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or business contexts. Consider alternatives like "show of goodwill" or "act of consideration" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal gesture" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an action or expression that is intended to convey a personal feeling, such as sympathy, kindness, or goodwill. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal gesture" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that signifies an action motivated by genuine personal feelings, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to emphasize the sincerity and thoughtfulness behind an action. Alternatives such as "thoughtful act" or "compassionate gesture" can be used depending on the specific context. While generally neutral, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in certain business settings. By recognizing both its proper usage and potential alternatives, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning and tone in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compassionate gesture

Stresses the empathy and sympathy involved in the action.

thoughtful act

Emphasizes the consideration and care behind the action.

caring deed

Emphasizes the concern and support conveyed by the action.

kind deed

Highlights the benevolence and goodwill of the action.

sympathetic act

Focuses on providing comfort and understanding.

gracious action

Focuses on the politeness and elegance of the act.

benevolent action

Focuses on the charitable and generous nature of the act.

warm expression

Highlights the friendliness and sincerity conveyed by the action.

attentive gesture

Highlights the level of attention and consideration shown.

humanitarian gesture

Highlights the intent to improve other people’s lives and reduce suffering.

FAQs

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

You can use "personal gesture" to describe an action that someone does to show kindness or sympathy. For example, "She sent a handwritten note as a "personal gesture" of support."

What are some alternatives to "personal gesture"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "thoughtful act", "kind deed", or "compassionate gesture".

Is "personal gesture" formal or informal?

"Personal gesture" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain business or official settings.

What's the difference between a "personal gesture" and a "professional gesture"?

A "personal gesture" is driven by individual feelings and kindness, while a "professional gesture" is motivated by business ethics and workplace dynamics. A "professional gesture" aims to maintain positive relationships in the workplace.