act of fraud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act of fraud" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or discussions about dishonest behavior intended to secure an unfair or unlawful gain. Example: "The company was found guilty of committing an act of fraud against its investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Understanding Asperger's" was no act of fraud.

The New York Times

As I have not committed any act of fraud, I have no intention of going anywhere.

The Guardian - Tech

Garrett's Republican colleagues quizzed Geithner about why, if this appeared to be a potential act of fraud, he had not informed the US justice department.

The Guardian - Business

China's self-presentation is a continuous act of fraud, which matters because the victims of the fraud include the Chinese people themselves and the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

TT, Bristol This was either an honest mistake by the store worker or a deliberate act of fraud – in either case, Barclaycard should have been more helpful.

The Guardian - Money

When the United States Army decided this week to suspend the main supplier of munitions to Afghan security forces from future federal work, it did so after a field investigation documented what it called an act of fraud.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They engaged in "a pattern of racketeering activity, which included numerous acts of fraud," he wrote.

The New York Times

Last month, four former employees of A4e pleaded guilty in Reading Crown Court to 30 acts of fraud and forgery.

The Guardian

In February, four former A4e employees admitted committing acts of fraud and forgery after charging the state for working for clients that did not even exist.

The Guardian - Books

After Pitezel purchased a $10,000 life insurance policy, he and Mudgett traveled to Colorado, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas, where they committed other acts of fraud (along the way, Mudgett also married).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Last May, when Judge Rakoff froze the Uzans' New York assets, including eight apartments, he said that "every preliminary indication" pointed to "repeated acts of fraud and chicanery" adding up to "a rather massive swindle".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use "act of fraud" to clearly denote a specific instance of fraudulent behavior. It's suitable for formal writing and legal documentation where precision is essential.

Common error

Avoid using "act of fraud" in casual conversation or informal writing; it may sound overly formal. Opt for simpler terms like "cheating" or "dishonesty" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of fraud" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often appearing in legal or formal discussions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act of fraud" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that clearly identifies a specific instance of dishonest behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for legal contexts and formal discussions where precision is required. While it appears most frequently in News & Media sources, its usage extends to science and encyclopedias. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific context and desired emphasis, such as "fraudulent action" or "deceptive practice". However, be mindful of its formality and opt for simpler terms in casual settings. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate and analyze instances of fraudulent behavior with clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fraudulent action

Emphasizes the action's deceitful nature.

fraudulent conduct

Highlights the behavior and its unethical quality.

deceptive practice

Focuses on the misleading nature of the activity.

dishonest scheme

Emphasizes planning and dishonesty.

criminal deception

Highlights the criminal and misleading nature.

fraudulent scheme

Emphasizes the deceitful planning involved.

instance of fraud

Highlights it as a single occurrence.

case of fraud

Highlights it as a subject of investigation.

fraudulent behavior

Focuses on behavior and its deceitful nature.

corrupt practice

Emphasizes the corruption involved.

FAQs

How can I use "act of fraud" in a sentence?

You can use "act of fraud" to describe a specific instance of fraudulent behavior, such as "The investigation revealed an "act of fraud" committed by the company's CFO".

What's a simpler way to say "act of fraud"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "fraudulent action", "deceptive practice", or simply "fraud".

Is "act of fraud" the same as "fraudulent activity"?

"Act of fraud" refers to a specific instance, while "fraudulent activity" implies ongoing or repeated acts. For example, "the "act of fraud" was a one-time occurrence, but the fraudulent activity continued for years".

When is it appropriate to use the term "act of fraud"?

Use "act of fraud" in legal, formal, or investigative contexts where precise language is needed to describe a specific instance of dishonest behavior intended for unlawful gain. If you are looking for a more informal term, there are options like "cheating".