show goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show goodwill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire to demonstrate kindness, support, or a positive attitude towards someone or something. Example: "To foster a better relationship with our clients, we should always show goodwill in our communications and actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

To fend off that possibility it will be essential to show goodwill by keeping Greece in the EU.

The Economist

"As it is Sunday we opened the tolls for a couple of hours ahead of the talks to show goodwill".

The Guardian

"I wasn't convinced that the government was prepared to show goodwill toward political prisoners and prisoners of conscience," she said.

The Guardian

And, to show goodwill, it must hit the pause button on the centrifuges once high-level talks with America begin.

The New York Times

To show goodwill, it has already released 2,000 Rwandan Hutus from its army and invited the international genocide tribunal to investigate.

The Economist

If we show goodwill over defence, and stop vetoing what they want to do, it is likely to change the atmosphere of the wider talks".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

With these measures and the accompanying backhanders about "freedom and liberty," Obama is at once showing goodwill, testing the waters for dialogue, and throwing down challenges.

The New Yorker

And last year RBS showed goodwill towards Connaught, the FTSE 250 social housing group, extending an additional £15m loan despite a series of profit warnings.

The Guardian - Business

But if his visit can diminish that dislike even a little bit by showing goodwill, it will be regarded as a success.

The Economist

The ten with whom concrete plans have been agreed will collectively devote $45m a year to the disease.That is not much in the grand scheme of things, but it shows goodwill.

The Economist

Two days after he was sworn into office and in his first press conference, Rouhani also said on Tuesday that he was open to direct talks with the US, provided that Washington showed "goodwill" in action and put aside "hidden agendas" – an apparent reference to its perceived policy of regime change.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In customer service, "show goodwill" by offering solutions or compromises to resolve issues amicably.

Common error

Don't limit "showing goodwill" to superficial gestures. Ensure actions are genuine and address the underlying needs or concerns to build lasting positive relationships.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "show goodwill" is as a verb phrase, where "show" acts as the verb and "goodwill" as its direct object. This phrase is used to describe an action or behavior. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various sentence structures, often with an implied intention to create a positive impression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show goodwill" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys an intention to demonstrate kindness, support, or a positive attitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to express a desire to foster positive relationships. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. To enhance your writing, consider alternatives like "demonstrate goodwill" or "extend goodwill", but avoid limiting the depth of the gesture to superficial actions. Remember that showing genuine concern and addressing underlying needs is crucial for building lasting connections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate goodwill

Replaces "show" with a synonym, emphasizing the act of displaying goodwill.

extend goodwill

Suggests offering or providing goodwill to someone.

express goodwill

Focuses on communicating goodwill through words or actions.

foster goodwill

Highlights the act of nurturing and developing goodwill.

cultivate goodwill

Emphasizes the careful and deliberate development of goodwill.

build rapport

Focuses on establishing a positive relationship.

make a peace offering

Suggests a gesture to restore harmony.

give an olive branch

Similar to "make a peace offering", indicating a sign of reconciliation.

display a friendly attitude

Highlights outward behavior and approachability.

act with benevolence

Emphasizes acting kindly and generously.

FAQs

How can I use "show goodwill" in a sentence?

You can use "show goodwill" to describe actions that demonstrate kindness, support, or a positive attitude, such as "The company decided to "show goodwill" by donating to local charities".

What's the difference between "demonstrate goodwill" and "show goodwill"?

"Demonstrate goodwill" and "show goodwill" are largely interchangeable. "Demonstrate" may imply a more overt or intentional display, while "show" is more general. Both emphasize acting in a way that displays positive intentions.

What can I say instead of "show goodwill"?

You can use alternatives like "demonstrate kindness", "exhibit a positive attitude", or "extend goodwill" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to "show goodwill"?

It's appropriate to "show goodwill" in negotiations, conflict resolution, customer service, and interpersonal relationships where building trust and fostering positive interactions are essential. The goal is to create a cooperative atmosphere.