a selfless act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a selfless act" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action taken for the benefit of others without any regard for oneself or personal gain. Example: "Volunteering at the shelter was truly a selfless act that made a significant difference in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's such a selfless act.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And how Stoudemire handled that showed true basketball character, a selfless act on his part.

The New York Times - Sports

Can engaging in a selfless act lead to more selfish choices?

Yale University

By the end of the film he gets around to a selfless act".

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Schwarzenegger said Mr. Issa's withdrawal from the contest early on was a "selfless act".

The New York Times

He foreknows that he will become incarnate in order to suffer death, a selfless act whereby humankind will be redeemed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We know that Graeme Swann, after his extraordinary mid-tour retirement, peculiarly portrayed as a selfless act, will not reappear.

The Guardian - Sport

Mostly, though, practicing against female players is a selfless act that requires a lot of time and yields little reward.

The New York Times

You're probably thinking: "What a selfless act of random kindness!" It may have been kind, but it was hardly random.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ann O'Leary, head of register development at Anthony Nolan, said: "Donating stem cells to save the life of a stranger is a remarkably selfless act so it's great to see so many Londoners challenging the city's stereotype and signing up to our register.

Independent

While Mr Blair regarded Mr Brown's decision not to stand for the succession following John Smith's death as a recognition that he could not win, he said the chancellor saw it as a "noble, selfless act" and nursed a grievance over it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone prioritizes others' needs above their own, use "a selfless act" to effectively convey their altruistic behavior. For example: "Donating blood is often considered "a selfless act" that can save lives."

Common error

Avoid using "a selfless act" sarcastically to describe actions that are actually self-serving. Ensure the context clearly indicates genuine altruism, not hidden motives. For example, avoid saying "His 'selfless act' of volunteering conveniently boosted his college application."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a selfless act" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to an action performed with altruistic intent, prioritizing others' well-being, as shown by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a selfless act" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe actions motivated by altruism and a concern for others. With Ludwig demonstrating frequent usage across various reputable sources, including news, academic, and business contexts, the phrase conveys a neutral tone suitable for diverse settings. While alternatives like "an act of altruism" and "a charitable deed" exist, understanding the subtle nuances can help writers effectively communicate the true essence of such actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, using this phrase appropriately emphasizes the positive impact and inherent altruism behind beneficial deeds.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an act of altruism

This alternative emphasizes the altruistic nature of the action, highlighting concern for others' well-being.

an act of compassion

This alternative draws attention to the empathetic nature of the action, rooted in understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

a charitable deed

This alternative underscores the charitable aspect, focusing on providing help and goodwill to those in need.

a humanitarian gesture

This alternative highlights the humanitarian dimension, stressing concern for human welfare and social reform.

a noble sacrifice

This alternative suggests a high moral quality and a significant personal cost for the benefit of others.

a benevolent action

This alternative emphasizes kindness and goodwill in the action performed.

a generous contribution

This alternative stresses the generous element, focusing on the provision of resources or time.

a giving gesture

This alternative is a simple, direct way to describe an act of giving without expecting anything in return.

a sacrificial offering

This alternative highlights the element of sacrifice involved in the action, suggesting a personal cost.

a magnanimous deed

This alternative highlights the generosity and forgiveness inherent in the action, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful.

FAQs

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

You can use "a selfless act" to describe situations where someone puts others' needs before their own. For example: "The firefighter's rescue of the child was truly "a selfless act"."

What are some alternatives to "a selfless act"?

Alternatives include "an act of altruism", "a charitable deed", or "a humanitarian gesture", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a selfless act"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What distinguishes "a selfless act" from "a heroic act"?

"A selfless act" emphasizes the altruistic motivation behind the action, while "a heroic act" focuses on courage and bravery, often in the face of danger. A heroic act may also be "a selfless act", but the primary emphasis is on the risk involved.