show some gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show some gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to express kindness or goodwill through a physical or symbolic action. Example: "To foster a positive atmosphere, it's important to show some gesture of appreciation towards your colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Show some gesture that you think may attract the girl.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Tsipras could show some symbolic gestures (by reopening ERT, the public broadcasting corporation, rehiring the 600 cleaning ladies of the economy minister or increasing the tax for higher incomes) and backpedal on other issues (namely the minimum wage and the re-regulation of the labor market), which could prove a casus belli for the creditors.

Huffington Post

The gesture showed some numbers written on the back of his hand.

The New Yorker

Iniesta had shown some humanity with his gesture, and taken the consequences.

The New York Times

At this point simply use lines to show the arms' gesture, then circles on the end to represent hands.

WikiHow

So the scientists are attempting to show how gestures can link humans more directly to the devices they control.

The New York Times - Tech

As our data show, analogical gestures very often occur without spatial speech and sometimes without any speech at all.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

When audience reactions show that gestures have been partly understood, the ape persists with the same gestures; when complete incomprehension is evident, the ape switches to a different set of gestures.

Animal Cognition

Central R.R. showed heroic gesture by allowing crowds to travel to 125th St.

The New Yorker

Yoshida, in his demonstration at Unveiled, showed 100percentt gesture accuracy.

TechCrunch

Research in gesture for learning has shown that gesture can influence how learners approach spatial problems.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show some gesture", consider the context to ensure the gesture is appropriate and meaningful. A genuine and thoughtful gesture is more effective than a perfunctory one.

Common error

Avoid using "show some gesture" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the exact action or behavior you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show some gesture" primarily functions as a directive or suggestion, encouraging someone to perform an action or display a behavior that conveys a specific meaning or intention. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts ranging from attracting someone's attention to expressing solidarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show some gesture" is a directive that suggests expressing an intention, feeling, or attitude through a symbolic action. Although grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that its occurrence is infrequent, and primarily found in general or informal contexts such as news articles and wikis. While useful for encouraging someone to act in a considerate manner, in formal writing there are more precise options for better clarity. Consider more specific alternatives like "make a gesture", or "demonstrate goodwill" depending on your intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a gesture

Focuses on the act of performing a gesture, rather than the act of showing it.

demonstrate goodwill

Specifically suggests showing kindness and positive intent.

offer a sign

Emphasizes providing a signal or indication, often non-verbal.

perform a symbolic act

Emphasizes the significance and representation behind an action.

display some action

Highlights a visible demonstration or activity.

give a hint

Suggests a subtle indication or clue.

present a token

Highlights the act of offering something symbolic.

extend a courtesy

Implies offering polite behavior or consideration.

reveal some expression

Focuses on facial or bodily manifestations of emotion.

undertake an initiative

Indicates taking proactive steps to show intent or support.

FAQs

What does "show some gesture" mean?

The phrase "show some gesture" means to offer an action, sign, or expression that demonstrates a particular feeling, intention, or attitude, often in a symbolic or non-verbal way.

How can I use "show some gesture" in a sentence?

You can use "show some gesture" to encourage someone to express themselves through actions. For example: "To foster a positive environment, it's important to "make a gesture" of appreciation towards colleagues."

What can I say instead of "show some gesture"?

You can use alternatives like "offer a sign", "make a gesture", or "demonstrate goodwill" depending on the context.

Is "show some gesture" formal or informal?

"Show some gesture" is generally considered neutral in tone. While acceptable in many contexts, more specific language may be preferred in formal writing.