small gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor act of kindness or consideration that may have a significant impact. Example: "She appreciated the small gesture of bringing her favorite coffee on a tough day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No small gesture had any meaning.

The New Yorker

A small gesture can mean a lot.

The New York Times

She makes a small gesture.

The New York Times

It was a small gesture.

The New York Times

This is not a small gesture.

The Guardian

The seemingly small gesture had a profound effect.

The New York Times

This use is a small gesture of control — and generosity.

The New York Times - Books

And being here today is a small gesture," she said.

The Guardian

It's no small gesture to be remembered by.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a small gesture but a thoughtful one.

The New Yorker

Even that small gesture of commiseration brought great comfort.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small gesture" to emphasize that an action, though seemingly unimportant, can have a significant impact on someone or a situation. It's particularly effective when highlighting the thoughtfulness behind the action.

Common error

Avoid using "small gesture" when the action is genuinely significant or has far-reaching consequences. It's crucial to accurately reflect the magnitude of the act to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "gesture". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small gesture" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a minor action with potential positive impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts. Related alternatives include "minor act" and "little kindness". When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the scale of the action, avoiding exaggeration. It is important to use "small gesture" to emphasize that an action, though seemingly unimportant, can have a significant impact on someone or a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor act

Focuses on the action being insignificant in scale or impact.

little kindness

Emphasizes the positive, benevolent nature of the action.

modest sign

Highlights the role of the gesture as a signal or indication.

simple courtesy

Draws attention to the polite and respectful aspect of the gesture.

insignificant action

Underscores the lack of importance or consequence of the deed.

trivial deed

Conveys the idea that the gesture is ordinary and commonplace.

slight indication

Highlights that the gesture provides a subtle hint or suggestion.

subtle cue

Focuses on the indirect or understated nature of the gesture.

token effort

Emphasizes that the gesture represents minimal exertion or investment.

minimal acknowledgment

Highlights the act of recognizing or noticing something in a limited way.

FAQs

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

You can use "small gesture" to describe a minor act of kindness or consideration that can have a significant positive impact. For example, "A "small gesture" like holding the door open for someone can brighten their day".

What are some alternatives to "small gesture"?

Alternatives to "small gesture" include "minor act", "little kindness", or "modest sign", depending on the context you want to emphasize.

Is it always appropriate to describe an action as a "small gesture"?

No, it's important to accurately assess the impact of the action. If the action has significant consequences, it would be more appropriate to describe it differently, avoiding the implication of insignificance.

What makes a "small gesture" meaningful?

A "small gesture" becomes meaningful when it demonstrates thoughtfulness, empathy, or consideration for others, even if the action itself is simple or easy to perform. It's the intent behind the action that truly matters.