a heroic deed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heroic deed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that demonstrates bravery or courage, often in a context of helping others or facing danger. Example: "The firefighter's quick response to the blaze was truly a heroic deed that saved many lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

What he did 46 years ago was a heroic deed for the ages.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Chen said she liked how Council meetings often began with the mayor and aldermen honoring someone, usually a police officer or a firefighter, for a heroic deed.

The New York Times

While Achilles is held up as the archetypal war hero, Socrates' willingness to die for his values was also a heroic deed.

University of California, Berkeley

The Xinhua report said a Tibetan advocacy group in India convinced the villager, Sangye Gyatso, a 27-year-old father of two, that self-immolation was a "heroic deed" and that it would improve his family's standing.

The New York Times

The compilation showed a young Clark Kent performing a heroic deed involving a passenger bus and Russell Crowe looking sombre as Supes' real dad Jor-El (his earthly adoptive father is played by Kevin Costner).

The Guardian - Film

Roy Aranda, a professor of psychology at Hofstra University, said that after the terror attacks the public is more likely to "look upon firefighters as heroes even though they haven't performed a heroic deed".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The New Yorker, February 25 , 1928P. 11 Gentleman, eager to help at a fire in Fall River, was forced back by the heat or the firemen; had been unable to accomplish an heroic deed.

The New Yorker

"All of them wanted to leave a trace in history, for they considered that this was a kind of heroic deed," said Vitaly Shitov, who lives in the area and undertook a review of the testimony to hunt for the remains.

The New York Times

For every despicable act Lew commits in his doomed quest for the love and respect he believes his due, he also manages a charitable, even heroic, deed.

The New York Times - Books

"Families could be consoled by the heroic deed of a loved one".

The New York Times

(A handwritten postscript is added, addressed to Lt. Edward Gulch: "Ed, I did no heroic deed, I was a laborer -- John") LT.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's actions, use "a heroic deed" to emphasize their bravery and selflessness, particularly when they risked their own safety for others.

Common error

Avoid using "a heroic deed" to describe everyday actions that don't involve significant risk or self-sacrifice; reserve it for truly extraordinary acts of bravery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heroic deed" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement of a verb. It describes a specific action characterized by bravery and selflessness, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heroic deed" is a noun phrase used to describe an act of bravery and selflessness. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news media, academic writing, and general discussions. While it's important to reserve this phrase for truly extraordinary acts, its consistent usage and clear meaning make it an effective way to convey admiration and respect for courageous actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an act of heroism

Directly replaces "deed" with "heroism", focusing on the heroic quality.

an act of valor

Emphasizes courage and bravery in the action.

a courageous act

Highlights the bravery required to perform the action.

a brave feat

Focuses on the impressive and courageous nature of the accomplishment.

a valiant effort

Stresses the determined and brave attempt to achieve something difficult.

a selfless act

Highlights the altruistic nature, where personal gain is not the primary motivation.

a noble action

Emphasizes the moral excellence and selflessness of the action.

a great sacrifice

Highlights the personal cost involved in performing the action.

a remarkable achievement

Focuses on the extraordinary nature of the accomplishment, potentially involving heroism.

a significant contribution

Emphasizes the positive impact made by the action, implying a heroic element.

FAQs

How can I use "a heroic deed" in a sentence?

You can use "a heroic deed" to describe an act of bravery, such as, "The firefighter's rescue of the child was "a heroic deed"."

What are some alternatives to "a heroic deed"?

Some alternatives include "an act of valor", "a courageous act", or "an act of heroism", which all emphasize bravery and selflessness.

Is it appropriate to describe any good action as "a heroic deed"?

No, "a heroic deed" should be reserved for actions that involve significant risk or self-sacrifice. Using it for minor acts can diminish its impact.

What is the difference between "a heroic deed" and "a good deed"?

"A good deed" refers to any act of kindness, while "a heroic deed" specifically implies bravery and self-sacrifice, often in the face of danger. A simple act of helping someone is "a good deed", but risking one's life to save another is "a heroic deed".