a brilliant act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant act" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is exceptionally clever, skillful, or impressive. Example: "The scientist's discovery was not just groundbreaking; it was a brilliant act of innovation that changed the field forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

At its core, bus rapid transit is a brilliant act of urban sleight-of-hand.

The Guardian

So the picture records both a brilliant act of intuition as well as complex cultural fact.

The New Yorker

What might be absurd is instead strangely moving, a classical masterpiece giving rise to a brilliant act of avant-garde reparation.

The New Yorker

It's a brilliant act of positioning, suggesting that Kindness works outside normal parameters, that he's different, that he revels in mystique and that he needs a haircut.

The Guardian - Music

With local opinion strongly against Trump, the official said, the invitation was "very courageous," but also "a brilliant act of foresight".

The New Yorker

George J. Tenet, the director of central intelligence, portrayed the unmasking of the Khan operation as a brilliant act of American spycraft.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The Huracán is following a tough, brilliant act.

BBC

At times, Tosches' narrative sags slightly under the weight of his digressions and annotations, but for the most part this is a brave, compelling, and sometimes brilliant act of cultural recovery.

The New Yorker

This is thanks to a brilliant balancing act.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Martins has a brilliant first act, with a waltz for children and adults that becomes a burst of color.

The New York Times - Arts

A victory that Manager Joe Girardi characterized as "as close as you can get to a must-win in the month of May" also featured the return of Jorge Posada, a brilliant escape act by Dave Robertson and a sturdy start by Ivan Nova.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Contextualize "a brilliant act" by explaining the specific impact or outcome of the action to fully convey its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a brilliant act" in predictable or overused scenarios. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to showcase true brilliance, as the phrase can lose its impact when applied generically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant act" functions as a noun phrase, where 'brilliant' modifies 'act'. It describes a specific action characterized by exceptional intelligence, skill, or ingenuity. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable in written English to describe an action that is exceptionally clever, skillful, or impressive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brilliant act" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to describe actions marked by exceptional skill or intelligence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey admiration or approval for an action's ingenuity. When using this phrase, prioritize specificity and context to maximize its impact. Consider alternatives like "an inspired move" or "a clever maneuver" to avoid overuse and cliché.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stroke of genius

Emphasizes the high level of intelligence and insight involved.

an ingenious feat

Replaces "brilliant act" with synonyms emphasizing cleverness and accomplishment.

a remarkable achievement

Focuses on the accomplishment aspect of the act, suggesting a significant success.

an inspired move

Highlights the element of inspiration or creativity behind the action.

a visionary step

Highlights the forward-thinking and innovative nature of the action.

a clever maneuver

Emphasizes the skill and strategy involved in the action.

an astute decision

Focuses on the wisdom and judgment demonstrated in making the decision.

a strategic play

Emphasizes the planning and tactical advantage gained through the action.

a masterful stroke

Highlights the expertise and control exhibited in performing the action.

an exceptional performance

Shifts the focus to the quality of the execution of the act.

FAQs

How can I use "a brilliant act" in a sentence?

You can use "a brilliant act" to describe a specific instance of ingenuity or exceptional skill. For example, "The negotiator's ability to secure the agreement was "a brilliant act" of diplomacy".

What are some alternatives to "a brilliant act"?

Some alternatives to "a brilliant act" include "an inspired move", "a clever maneuver", or "a masterful stroke". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to use "a brilliant act" when the context already implies intelligence?

While not strictly redundant, consider if the "brilliance" is already evident. If so, a more concise description might be more impactful. If not, it could emphasize this characteristic.

What's the difference between "a brilliant act" and "a good deed"?

"A brilliant act" emphasizes intelligence and skill, while "a good deed" focuses on moral virtue and kindness. The former suggests cleverness, while the latter suggests benevolence. Therefore, while "a good deed" is altruistic, "a brilliant act" can be selfish.