show some goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'show some goodwill' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to give kindness, understanding, kindness, or support to you or someone else. For example, "Please show some goodwill and help me out with this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The hotels are struggling and the property market has slumped.In an effort to give its outlying islands a boost and show some goodwill to China, Taiwan in 2001 opened the "mini three links" between the islands and the mainland.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The volunteer response, though at times chaotic, shows some of the large amount of goodwill towards refugees in Europe.

The Guardian

Roosevelt suggested to Mikołajczyk, visiting Washington, D.C., in June 1944, that the AK show its goodwill by cooperating with the Red Army.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During their brief sojourn in Paris, the French Government is doing everything possible to show its goodwill toward the delegates of the Balkan States.

The New York Times

Business leaders once built concert halls in part to show their goodwill toward the community, but the community no longer loves its concert halls, so they turn their attentions elsewhere.

The New York Times - Arts

Though the conductor bought us Cokes to show his goodwill, we could not reach detente: We had to call 112 for a policeman, and let the legal system play its hand.

The New York Times

As the French philosopher of science and artist Chris Herzfeld notes in her new book, Wattana: An Orangutan in Paris, animals such as primates "show considerable goodwill in collaborating with humans".

The Guardian - Opinion

Less prejudice needed Mr Whittaker appealed to boys' clubs to be a little less prejudiced against the idea of a Teddy boys' association, and he asked the police to show discretion, goodwill, and helpfulness towards teddy boys.

The Guardian

It was perhaps to calm the anxieties of English Canada and to show his goodwill that in 1964 Lesage agreed to a proposal for patriating and amending the Canadian constitution by a method known as the Fulton-Favreau formula.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The AK party, in particular, has a choice: it can slide backwards and perhaps flirt more openly with Islamism; or it can play the European card even harder, pressing on with reforms and demanding that its European partners show similar goodwill.For this second choice to work, the EU's leaders must be readier to reward Turkey when it takes political risks.

The Economist

The US need to show their goodwill.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show some goodwill" when you want to encourage a display of understanding and positive intention, particularly in situations needing cooperation or reconciliation.

Common error

Avoid equating "showing some goodwill" with compromising your principles or appearing weak. Goodwill is about fostering positive relationships, not sacrificing your values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show some goodwill" functions primarily as a request or suggestion. It's used to encourage someone to exhibit kindness, understanding, or a positive attitude, aiming to foster better relations or resolve conflicts. As Ludwig AI corroborates, the phrase is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show some goodwill" is a grammatically sound and practical way to request or suggest kindness and understanding, particularly in situations where cooperation is desired. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Alternatives like "demonstrate some kindness" or "extend some courtesy" can be used for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate some kindness

Focuses on the act of being kind, shifting the emphasis from goodwill to outward actions.

give a gesture of goodwill

More specific and transactional, implying a defined act of kindness.

offer some understanding

Highlights empathy and comprehension rather than general goodwill.

display some compassion

Centers on showing sympathy and concern for others.

extend some courtesy

Emphasizes politeness and respect, a more formal aspect of goodwill.

make a conciliatory gesture

Implies an effort to reconcile or appease, especially after a disagreement.

express some support

Directly indicates offering assistance or encouragement.

act in good faith

Focuses on honesty and sincerity in intentions and actions.

foster a positive attitude

Shifts focus to creating an environment conducive to goodwill.

adopt a cooperative approach

Highlights working together harmoniously, a component of goodwill.

FAQs

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

You can use "show some goodwill" to encourage someone to display kindness or understanding. For example, "The company decided to "show some goodwill" by offering employees flexible working hours".

What's a more formal way to say "show some goodwill"?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "demonstrate good faith", "extend consideration", or "foster a cooperative spirit".

Is "show some goodwill" always appropriate?

While generally positive, "show some goodwill" might be inappropriate if the situation requires firm boundaries or when dealing with someone who has consistently acted in bad faith. Consider the context before using it.

What is the difference between "show goodwill" and "show some goodwill"?

"Show goodwill" is a more general statement, while "show some goodwill" implies a specific instance or degree of kindness. Both are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the intended emphasis.