to show goodwill

USAGE SUMMARY

"to show goodwill" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone's actions or behavior that demonstrate a positive attitude or sincere intentions towards someone else. Example: "Despite their past differences, the CEO sent a gift to the competitor's company to show goodwill and foster a positive relationship going forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

To fend off that possibility it will be essential to show goodwill by keeping Greece in the EU.

The Economist

"As it is Sunday we opened the tolls for a couple of hours ahead of the talks to show goodwill".

The Guardian

"I wasn't convinced that the government was prepared to show goodwill toward political prisoners and prisoners of conscience," she said.

The Guardian

And, to show goodwill, it must hit the pause button on the centrifuges once high-level talks with America begin.

The New York Times

To show goodwill, it has already released 2,000 Rwandan Hutus from its army and invited the international genocide tribunal to investigate.

The Economist

But for all its efforts to show goodwill, it has made no attempt to scale down its military deployments on the coast facing the island, where its missile build-up continues.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In China, North Korea's most important economic and diplomatic backer, the country's top newspaper, the People's Daily, urged all sides to be "patient and brave," show goodwill, and resume the talks process.

Vice

Rouhani said in his first press conference that his government would be open to direct talks with the US should Washington show goodwill and engage in "practical steps".

The Guardian

If we show goodwill over defence, and stop vetoing what they want to do, it is likely to change the atmosphere of the wider talks".

The Guardian

Someone can show goodwill towards another and be trustworthy within the scope of their relationship (think of a convicted felon with his mother) without being someone who we would describe as trustworthy (Potter 2002, 8).

SEP

He added: "The proposed regulation does show goodwill but it would generate more discrimination.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "to show goodwill" to emphasize a positive intent behind an action, especially in situations involving negotiation, reconciliation, or relationship building.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "to show goodwill" automatically resolves underlying issues. It's a starting point, not a guaranteed solution. Follow up with consistent and meaningful actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to show goodwill" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It modifies a verb, explaining the reason behind an action. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it describes actions demonstrating a positive attitude or sincere intentions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to show goodwill" serves as a purpose connector, indicating the intention behind an action to foster positive relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usage in expressing positive attitudes. It's commonly found in news and media, with a neutral to professional tone. When using "to show goodwill", ensure actions are genuine, as insincere gestures can backfire. While not a guaranteed solution to underlying problems, it's a crucial step in building trust and fostering cooperation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to demonstrate good faith

Focuses on the sincerity and honesty of the action.

to express benevolence

Emphasizes the kindness and charitable nature of the act.

to manifest amicable intentions

Highlights the friendly and peaceful nature of the intentions.

to make a conciliatory gesture

Indicates an action aimed at resolving conflict or disagreement.

to extend a peace offering

Suggests a gesture intended to restore harmony or end hostilities.

to display a spirit of cooperation

Emphasizes a willingness to work together harmoniously.

to foster positive relations

Focuses on building and maintaining good relationships.

to cultivate rapport

Highlights the effort to create a harmonious and understanding relationship.

to build trust

Emphasizes the action's role in establishing confidence and reliability.

to offer a gesture of friendship

Highlights the friendly intention behind the action.

FAQs

How can I use "to show goodwill" in a sentence?

You can use "to show goodwill" to describe actions intended to create a positive impression or foster good relations. For example, "The company offered a discount "to show goodwill" after the product recall."

What are some alternatives to "to show goodwill"?

Alternatives include "to demonstrate good faith", "to express benevolence", or "to make a conciliatory gesture", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "to show goodwill" and "to be nice"?

"To be nice" generally refers to being pleasant or agreeable. "To show goodwill", however, implies a more deliberate action intended to foster a positive relationship or create a favorable impression. It suggests a specific intent beyond general politeness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to show goodwill"?

It's appropriate in situations where you want to highlight the positive intention behind an action, such as in business negotiations, diplomatic relations, or personal interactions where building or repairing relationships is important.