special gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

"special gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a kind of action or movement that conveys strong feelings or emotions. For example, you could say, "When he proposed, he made a special gesture and got down on one knee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"It would be a special gesture.

The Guardian - Sport

As a special gesture to its arrival in the UK the Tower Bridge was raised fully in compliment.

Independent

Nonetheless, some town clerks, like the one in Washington, plan to do so as a special gesture.

The New York Times

In a special gesture, the United States trade representative, Robert B. Zoellick, was dispatched on a detour from India to Jakarta, the Indonesian capital.

The New York Times

In a special gesture, the orchestra planned to play a folk song deeply resonant to all Koreans, "Arirang," as an encore.

The New York Times - Arts

At the end of the performance the ovation was so enthusiastic that Mr. Herreweghe repeated the final chorus, "Dona nobis pacem" ("Grant us peace"), as a special gesture to us all, he said, during troubled times.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

He has also developed special gestures to call up menus and perform other commands.

The Economist

Use your talents to create gifts or special gestures.

WikiHow

What about those special nights of theatrical magic, where an extra gesture is warranted?

The New Yorker

Mr. Salem says UNICEF and its partners are asking the Syrian Government to take in this group of Palestinians as a special humanitarian gesture.

Unicef

I recently learned that there are also special hand gestures that accompany the Priestly Blessing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "special gesture" when you want to emphasize the thoughtfulness or uniqueness of an action. It implies that the action goes beyond the ordinary and carries a deeper meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "special gesture" excessively in very formal or technical writing. In such cases, consider using more precise or professional alternatives like "significant act" or "noteworthy performance" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "special gesture" functions as a noun phrase, where "special" modifies "gesture". It describes a particular type of action or act that is significant or noteworthy. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "special gesture" is a noun phrase used to describe a thoughtful or significant action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's more commonly found in news and general contexts than in highly formal or technical writing. Consider alternatives like "thoughtful act" or "significant action" for more formal settings. Overall, the phrase effectively communicates the unique and intentional nature of an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoughtful act

Focuses on the considerate nature of the action.

meaningful deed

Emphasizes the significance and impact of the action.

kindly action

Highlights the benevolence and goodwill behind the action.

significant act

Emphasizes the importance of the action.

remarkable demonstration

Highlights the unusual nature and visibility of the action.

noteworthy performance

Emphasizes the skill or talent displayed in the action.

considerate measure

Focuses on the care and attention involved in the action.

significant step

Highlights the importance of the action as part of a progression.

gracious offering

Emphasizes the politeness and generosity of the action.

exceptional favor

Highlights the extraordinary and generous nature of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "special gesture" to describe an action that is particularly thoughtful or meaningful, for example, "The company president made a "special gesture" by donating to the employee relief fund".

What are some alternatives to "special gesture"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "thoughtful act", "meaningful deed", or "kindly action".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "special gesture"?

It's suitable when describing actions intended to show kindness, appreciation, or respect in a noticeable and thoughtful way.

Is "special gesture" formal or informal?

The phrase "special gesture" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in highly technical or professional writing.