substantial gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is significant or meaningful, often in the context of showing support, appreciation, or commitment. Example: "The donation to the charity was a substantial gesture that demonstrated their commitment to helping the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So would a more substantial gesture, such as a promise to push for perpetual MFN status.

The Economist

Fehr said the union proposal was designed to address the financial problems experienced by a half dozen or so struggling clubs and was "a pretty substantial gesture" in the owners' direction.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then came more substantial gestures: promises of money, development and democracy.

The Guardian

"The Pakistan government should recognize the import of these moves and the fact that these are substantial gestures".

The New York Times

And, as we can see in our time, he notices many substantial gestures of charity and philanthropy.

Huffington Post

When such adjacent instances of gesturing (<1 min separation) were combined (henceforth termed 'lumped bouts'), the duration of gesturing was substantial, averaging 8.8±1.5 min (range: 2 s – 36.2 min, N = 33; see Table S1 for data on each gesturer separately).

Plosone

In New Delhi, the Indian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Nirupama Rao, described India's conciliatory gestures as substantial.

The New York Times

In both countries, there are important segments of society that respond well to public gestures, whether symbolic or substantial, which affirm the Muslim faith.

The Economist

On environmental issues, cables show that the U.S. routinely makes symbolic gestures rather than initiating substantial practices to combat climate change, and works aggressively to tailor international agreements to its own commercial interests.

Huffington Post

Offering to give jobs to all veterans honorably discharged on or after the plan's announcement on Jan.15 is a patriotic gesture, even if it is sweetened by substantial tax credits.

The New York Times

Every letter you type has to be individually sought out, and additional gestures — such as a hyphen — can require substantial and rather fiddly paths to be traced over the tiles.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial gesture" when you want to emphasize that an action is not merely symbolic but carries significant weight or importance. For example, "Offering a full scholarship was a "substantial gesture" of goodwill."

Common error

Avoid using "substantial gesture" in casual conversations or informal writing. It is better suited for formal reports, news articles, or academic papers where a more serious tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Substantial gesture functions as a noun phrase where 'substantial' modifies 'gesture'. It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing a significant action or expression of intent. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial gesture" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, though somewhat rare in frequency. Ludwig confirms its correctness and applicability in written English. It serves to emphasize the significance of an action, typically within news or professional contexts. While semantically weighty, its formality makes it less suited for casual conversation. Related phrases include "significant action" or "meaningful act", which can offer suitable alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant action

Replaces 'gesture' with 'action' to focus on the act itself, implying importance.

meaningful act

Substitutes 'substantial gesture' with a more direct description of the action's value.

considerable step

Highlights the progression or advancement implied by the action.

notable deed

Replaces 'gesture' with 'deed', emphasizing the action's importance and impact.

remarkable demonstration

Focuses on the act as a public display of commitment or intent.

sizeable contribution

Emphasizes the magnitude and impact of the action, especially in terms of resources or effort.

important move

Suggests a strategic or tactical action with significant implications.

serious commitment

Focuses on the underlying dedication and investment implied by the action.

grand demonstration

The adjective 'grand' amplifies the action.

major undertaking

Highlights the scale and effort involved in the action, positioning it as a significant project or endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial gesture" to describe actions that are significant or meaningful. For instance, "The company's donation was a "substantial gesture" of support to the local community."

What's a good alternative to "substantial gesture"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "substantial gesture" include "significant action", "meaningful act", or "considerable step".

Is "substantial gesture" formal or informal language?

"Substantial gesture" leans towards formal language. It is more common in professional or news-related content than in casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "substantial gesture" instead of a simpler phrase?

Use "substantial gesture" when you wish to emphasize the weight and importance behind an action, especially in a formal setting. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be more fitting.