sign of goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sign of goodwill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a gesture or action that demonstrates kindness, friendliness, or a desire to maintain a positive relationship. Example: "To show our commitment to a long-term partnership, we are offering a discount as a sign of goodwill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Revellers hand out wads of cash to strangers as a sign of goodwill.

The Guardian

Mr Thein Sein has said that the army should not enter Laiza, as a sign of goodwill.

The Economist

Israelis want another sign of goodwill from Syria, such as returning the remains of Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who was convicted and hanged in 1965.

The Economist

Hulten provided a certificate of authenticity and, as a sign of goodwill, chucked in the original cardboard carton Warhol had given him as a template.

The Guardian - Arts

This is more of a sign of goodwill than an admission of any wrongdoing.

TechCrunch

Take this as a sign of goodwill to the Japanese government.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

There are other signs of goodwill.

The Economist

Through ritual we accept that a working society is going to require the constant repetition of small signs of goodwill that may not always be heartfelt.

The Guardian - Opinion

What is far more difficult, though, is sustaining the radiance of the bipartisan honeymoon, a difficulty President Bush encountered eight years ago after early signs of goodwill to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts, in their pursuit of an education overhaul.

The New York Times

In Samoa, where the port in Apia became log jammed with tangible signs of goodwill, some journalists wrote unfair accusatory articles about delayed shipments.

Huffington Post

As a sign of its goodwill towards her, the trinket shop at the museum has just pre-ordered 50 copies of Go Set a Watchman – a symbolic gesture, as it is the number of copies of To Kill a Mockingbird that were purchased in 1960 by the town's then only bookshop, Ernestine's.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sign of goodwill" when you want to emphasize a specific action or gesture that demonstrates positive intentions, particularly in situations involving negotiations, diplomacy, or conflict resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "sign of goodwill" when a more direct term like "kindness" or "generosity" would be more appropriate. "Sign of goodwill" implies a deliberate action with a specific purpose, not just general positive behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sign of goodwill" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies an action or gesture as symbolic of positive intentions. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sign of goodwill" is a useful expression to indicate an action or gesture meant to convey positive intentions, especially in situations requiring diplomacy or reconciliation. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for professional and news contexts. While not extremely common, the phrase effectively communicates a desire to foster positive relationships. When choosing to use this phrase, ensure it aligns with the deliberate and purposeful nature of the gesture being described. Consider alternatives like "gesture of conciliation" or "good faith gesture" to fine-tune your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good faith gesture

This focuses on the honesty and sincerity behind the action.

conciliatory gesture

This refers to a gesture that aims to reconcile.

gesture of conciliation

This alternative highlights the act of trying to reconcile or appease.

friendly overture

This emphasizes the approach is amicable and welcoming.

token of reconciliation

This suggests a symbolic act aimed at restoring harmony.

act of reconciliation

Highlights the action performed to restore friendly relations.

expression of amity

Amity means friendship, suggesting a show of friendship.

gesture of appeasement

This phrase implies an attempt to pacify or soothe tensions.

peace offering

This implies something offered to make peace.

olive branch

This is an idiomatic expression for an offer of peace.

FAQs

How can I use "sign of goodwill" in a sentence?

You can use "sign of goodwill" to describe an action intended to demonstrate positive intentions, such as "Releasing the prisoners was seen as a "sign of goodwill"."

What is a similar phrase to "sign of goodwill"?

A similar phrase to "sign of goodwill" is "gesture of goodwill", which also implies an action done to show positive intent or build trust.

Is it appropriate to use "sign of goodwill" in formal writing?

Yes, "sign of goodwill" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts like business negotiations, diplomatic communications, or official statements where expressing positive intent is important. It can be replaced by "token of goodwill".

What's the difference between "sign of goodwill" and "act of kindness"?

"Sign of goodwill" suggests a deliberate action intended to improve relations or show positive intentions, while "act of kindness" refers to a more general and often spontaneous display of compassion or generosity. A "conciliatory gesture" is similar to "sign of goodwill".