a generous act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generous act" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is kind, giving, or selfless, typically towards others. Example: "Donating to the local food bank was truly a generous act that helped many families in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"Inviting the mother was a generous act".

The New York Times

What could have precipitated such a generous act?

The New York Times

It was a generous act by the Jets.

The New York Times

Sharing is a generous act, but perfectionism smothers that goodness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It would be a generous act which would improve Britain's standing in the world.

Independent

A generous act, perhaps, but one hardly calculated to enhance the impartial application of the law.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It's way better to give someone chocolate because it's like an act, a sweet, generous act.

Huffington Post

Whether it's for Valentines Day, a marriage proposal, or a love song you want to sing at your wedding, learning how to sing it can be an enormously generous act of love, and one that generally stands a great chance at working.

Huffington Post

It's a surprisingly generous act of resuscitation.

The New York Times

To me, that's a wonderfully generous act".

The New York Times - Magazine

At Dark Mofo, on the other hand, the truly experimental is on offer to anybody who sees fit to experience it; in this way, it's a deeply generous act of curation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a generous act" in contexts where the motivation behind the act is as important as the act itself, indicating genuine goodwill.

Common error

Avoid labeling an action as "a generous act" if the primary motive is self-serving, even if it appears beneficial to others on the surface. Ensure the act is genuinely selfless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generous act" functions as a noun phrase, where "generous" modifies the noun "act". It describes a specific instance of kindness or giving. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically correct construction commonly found in various types of text.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a generous act" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe acts of kindness, selflessness and giving. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most often in News & Media, Wiki and Encyclopedias. When using the phrase, be mindful of the true motivation behind the act to ensure it is genuinely selfless. Consider using alternatives such as "a kind deed" or "an altruistic gesture" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an act of kindness

A more general term, simply highlighting the kindness involved.

a kind deed

Focuses more on the action being kind rather than specifically generous.

an altruistic gesture

Highlights the selfless nature of the act, emphasizing that it's done for others.

a considerate move

Focuses on the thoughtfulness and care involved in the act.

a charitable contribution

Specifically refers to acts of giving, often involving donations or aid.

a benevolent action

Emphasizes the well-meaning and kind intentions behind the act.

a humane action

Highlights compassion and concern for the well-being of others.

a selfless sacrifice

Highlights the element of personal sacrifice involved in the act.

a magnanimous gesture

Implies a noble and forgiving nature in the act of giving.

a philanthropic endeavor

Emphasizes a larger-scale, organized effort to help others.

FAQs

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

You can use "a generous act" to describe an action that is kind, giving, or selfless. For example, "Donating to the local food bank was truly "a generous act" that helped many families in need."

What are some alternatives to saying "a generous act"?

You can use alternatives like "a kind deed", "an altruistic gesture", or "an act of kindness" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a generous act" or should it be "an generous act"?

It is correct to say "a generous act". The article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds. Since "generous" starts with a consonant sound, "a" is the appropriate article.

What is the difference between "a generous act" and "a selfless act"?

"A generous act" emphasizes the giving nature of the action, while "a selfless act" highlights that the action is performed without regard for oneself. They are similar, but the focus is slightly different.