show kindness

USAGE SUMMARY

'show kindness' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone should be kind or show an act of kindness. For example, "We should all strive to show kindness to those around us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be kind to those who show kindness the least and need it the most.

HuffPost

Who did you show kindness to?

University of California, Berkeley

"He show kindness," said Ho Le, the church's pastor.

The New York Times

It can be hard to show kindness in our daily interactions for us, as well as for our kids.

University of California, Berkeley

Explain to students that we often feel grateful when others do things for us that show kindness, caring, and helpfulness.

University of California, Berkeley

They turn up on time, show kindness and do their full shift because that's what we've taught them to do.

The Guardian

They are further obligated to show kindness to parents and to strive in the cause of God with their persons and property.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is the memories that stay with us of caregivers who understand the sacredness of life's end and who show kindness and concern about a patient's total being.

The New York Times - Science

Paul then exhorts the Christian community to put away anger, malice, and foul talk and to show kindness, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love in imitation of Christ.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Healing, I'm learning, begins with kindness, and most fairy tales teach us to show kindness wherever we can, to the stooped little beggar and the highest nobleman.

The New York Times

The king being informed of the cause and manner of his death, admired him more than ever, and continued to show kindness to his friends and relations.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show kindness", consider the specific context and ensure the action aligns with the intended meaning. It often implies a deliberate act of goodwill or compassion.

Common error

Avoid using "show kindness" to describe unintentional acts of decency. Kindness should be a conscious and deliberate behavior, not an accidental outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show kindness" functions as a directive or descriptive phrase, typically used to encourage or describe acts of compassion and generosity. It is often used to suggest a particular behavior or to commend someone's actions. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

22%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show kindness" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, appearing frequently in News & Media, Academia and Wiki contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. It serves to encourage compassion and promote positive social interactions. While neutral in register, it is essential to use it accurately, ensuring that the kindness is a deliberate act. Consider alternatives like "extend compassion" or "offer generosity" for nuanced expression. When writing, ensure that acts of kindness are intentional rather than accidental.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extend compassion

Emphasizes the feeling of empathy and acting upon it.

demonstrate empathy

Highlights the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

practice compassion

Focuses on the consistent application of kindness and understanding.

offer generosity

Stresses the act of giving and sharing resources or support.

perform a good deed

Highlights a specific act of kindness or helpfulness.

display goodwill

Emphasizes a positive and friendly attitude.

act with grace

Focuses on behaving kindly and thoughtfully, especially under pressure.

be benevolent

Suggests a disposition to do good, often implying a position of power or authority.

treat with respect

Highlights the importance of valuing others' dignity and worth.

lend a helping hand

Focuses on providing practical assistance to someone in need.

FAQs

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

You can use "show kindness" to encourage acts of goodwill, as in "We should all strive to "show kindness" to strangers". It can also describe past actions, such as "He chose to "show kindness" despite his own struggles".

What are some alternatives to "show kindness"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "extend compassion", "offer generosity", or "demonstrate empathy" as alternatives to ""show kindness"".

Is there a difference between "showing kindness" and "being kind"?

"Showing kindness" emphasizes a specific action or instance of being kind. "Being kind" refers to a general disposition or character trait. For example, you can ""show kindness"" through a single act, but "being kind" is a consistent way of behaving.

How does context influence the meaning of "show kindness"?

The context clarifies the recipient and nature of the kindness. For example, ""show kindness" to animals" suggests compassion towards creatures, while ""show kindness" to colleagues" might involve support and understanding in a professional setting.