simply a gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply a gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is performed without any significant meaning or impact, often to convey politeness or formality. Example: "His apology was simply a gesture, as he didn't truly mean it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The offer was simply a gesture.

The New York Times - Style

The Vatican spokesman explained that the bishops had not been "fully reinstated," that the lifting of excommunication was simply "a gesture of compassion," an invitation to dialogue.

The New York Times

The former foreign secretary, Jack Straw, said the vote was not simply a gesture, because if it were, the Israeli government would not be as worried by the vote.

The Guardian

"In France it means simply a gesture against the system, and then after time it became a gesture of emancipation.

BBC

Point well taken; prayer without action is simply a gesture.

Huffington Post

This is simply a gesture; it is unlikely that any of German head of state Andrea Merkel's cell phone conversations revealed much terrorist information anyway.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's the right call, not for reasons of nationalism or patriotism, but simply as a gesture of openness and respect for those visiting from overseas.

TechCrunch

Referencing Jesus, the work is tempting to read simply as a gesture against the extremism she sees in organized religion; but its irreverent humor and ethereal beauty also argue in favor of personal spiritual liberty.

Huffington Post

Talking with dubious groups for the sake of it, simply as a gesture of goodwill, has little to do with diplomacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over time, I became accustomed to the different skyline, but I will welcome another tall building there, whatever questions I may have about its specific design, simply as a gesture of restoring the skyline.

The New Yorker

But with Obama setting a deadline when he did, the Pakistanis drew the conclusion that he was simply making a gesture.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply a gesture" when you want to downplay the significance of an action, indicating it's more symbolic than substantive. This is particularly effective in political or social commentary where actions may be perceived as insincere or insufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "simply a gesture" in contexts where a more formal or neutral tone is required. In business or academic writing, opt for phrases like "a preliminary step" or "a symbolic action" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply a gesture" functions primarily as a modifier, typically describing a noun (action, offering, promise). It qualifies the noun by indicating that the action or offering is primarily symbolic and lacks substantial impact or genuine intent. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase serves to downplay the significance of the action it describes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simply a gesture" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe actions that are more symbolic than substantive. Ludwig AI confirms that while appropriate for neutral contexts, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources. If you want to convey scepticism about a particular action, this can be a good option. Be careful about the tone that could be perceived by the reader and consider its use as an alternative for other options like "merely a formality", "just a token action", or "purely symbolic act".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely a formality

Emphasizes the action is done to adhere to protocol, with little real meaning.

just a token action

Highlights the action is symbolic and of minimal practical effect.

purely symbolic act

Focuses on the action's representative nature, devoid of substantive impact.

a perfunctory measure

Indicates the action is carried out with minimal effort or enthusiasm.

a superficial action

Suggests the action lacks depth and doesn't address the core issue.

an empty promise

Implies a commitment lacking the intent or means to fulfill it.

a meaningless act

Stresses the action holds no value or significance.

a hollow offering

Conveys the action is insincere and without genuine substance.

a shallow pretense

Highlights the action is a deceptive facade concealing true intentions.

a cosmetic change

Implies an alteration that only improves the appearance of something without affecting its basic nature.

FAQs

How can I use "simply a gesture" in a sentence?

You can use "simply a gesture" to describe an action done more for appearances than actual impact, like "The company's donation was "simply a gesture" to improve its public image."

What are some alternatives to saying "simply a gesture"?

Alternatives to "simply a gesture" include "merely a formality", "just a token action", or "purely symbolic act", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "merely a gesture" instead of "simply a gesture"?

Yes, "merely a gesture" is a perfectly acceptable substitute for "simply a gesture", and the two phrases are often interchangeable. The subtle difference is that "merely" can sometimes imply even less significance than "simply".

What is the difference between "simply a gesture" and "a sincere gesture"?

"Simply a gesture" implies the action lacks deep meaning or impact, while "a sincere gesture" suggests the action is genuine and heartfelt. They are contrasting ways to describe an action's intent and significance.