a noble deed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a noble deed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is honorable, virtuous, or morally commendable. Example: "Helping the elderly neighbor with her groceries was truly a noble deed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Aristotle should either judge it as plainly wrong, wasteful or unfitting (and hence contrary to duty), or as "a noble" deed which is ultimately self-serving, adding glory to the agent, even if only posthumously.

SEP

People seem to think that is a noble deed.

Vice

The cartoon is captioned, "A noble deed from IS, even as it struggles financially".

Vice

In Hinduism, the concept of sewa (selfless service) is engrained in the Bhagavad Gita, which says whatever conduces to the good of others is a noble deed and therefore should be done.

Huffington Post

Mr. Trump can write all the million-dollar checks he wants (presuming he actually sends them) to help veterans or the hurricane victims in Houston, but my suspicion is that he is assuming a gift of gold equates to a gift from the heart and will be seen as a noble deed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As a thank-you for Crabber's noble deed, the hotel wants to return the favor.

Huffington Post

Eventually, Norwood realized that the whole thing wasn't actually an emergency and took off, but the Heerleins decided that his noble deed needed to be acknowledged.

Vice

"We carried out this noble deed".

The New York Times

And he invited the Taliban and Al Qaeda to be "partners in this noble deed," according to news reports.

The New York Times

But his noble deed retains its nobility and enables him to reach over and touch her shoulder.

The New York Times - Books

As Mr. Zhang posed for a picture beside Lei Feng's tomb, he was asked whether he had been inspired to practice noble deeds as a teenager.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a noble deed" to describe actions that are not only good but also morally admirable and often involve some level of personal sacrifice or risk.

Common error

Avoid using "a noble deed" sarcastically or ironically without clear context, as it can confuse the reader and undermine the intended meaning. Sarcasm is effective only if the audience can recognize the true intention behind the words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a noble deed" functions as a noun phrase, where "noble" is an adjective modifying the noun "deed". It acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing an action's inherent quality. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a noble deed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe actions of high moral caliber. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears mostly in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral yet appreciative tone. To enhance your writing, use "a noble deed" when you want to specifically emphasize the virtuous and admirable nature of an action, remembering to avoid sarcastic applications unless clearly indicated. Alternatives like "an honorable act" or "a selfless act" can provide variety while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an honorable act

Replaces "noble deed" with a more direct and common synonym.

a virtuous action

Emphasizes the moral excellence of the deed.

a selfless act

Highlights the altruistic nature of the deed.

a commendable feat

Focuses on the praiseworthy aspect of the accomplishment.

a magnanimous gesture

Suggests a generous and forgiving quality in the deed.

an act of chivalry

Implies courage and courtesy in the action.

a heroic endeavor

Elevates the deed to the level of heroism and significant effort.

a principled stand

Highlights the moral convictions behind the deed.

an estimable exploit

Uses a more formal and less common word for a remarkable achievement.

a laudable undertaking

Focuses on the praiseworthiness of the effort or project.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "a noble deed"?

The phrase "a noble deed" refers to an action that is considered honorable, virtuous, and morally commendable, often involving selflessness or courage.

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

You can use "a noble deed" to describe someone's action. For example: "Rescuing the cat from the burning building was "a noble deed"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a noble deed"?

Alternatives to "a noble deed" include "an honorable act", "a virtuous action", or "a selfless act", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a noble deed" in formal writing?

Yes, "a noble deed" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing acts of significant moral value or heroism. However, ensure the context aligns with the serious and respectful tone the phrase implies.