act of god

USAGE SUMMARY

"act of God" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a natural disaster or event that is beyond human control and responsibility. It can also be used in a legal context to refer to events that are unforeseeable and cannot be prevented. Example: The insurance policy covers damages caused by fire, flood, or act of God.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No act of God.

The Guardian - Sport

An act of God?

The Guardian - Sport

An act of God, right?

The New York Times

"It's an act of God.

The New York Times

"This is an act of God".

The New Yorker

"It wasn't an act of God".

The New Yorker

An act of God, he said.

The New Yorker

A flood is an act of God.

The New Yorker

Was it an act of God?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was an act-of-God kind of day".

The New York Times - Sports

So, a volcano is an 'act of God', weather is an 'act of God', even a civil disturbance - any event beyond the airline's control - can be considered an 'act of God'".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act of God" in legal or insurance contexts, be sure to define the term clearly to avoid ambiguity. Specificity can prevent later disputes over what events qualify.

Common error

Don't assume that any natural event automatically qualifies as an "act of God". The event must be both extraordinary and unforeseeable. Routine weather events, for example, typically don't qualify.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act of God" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, particularly in legal and insurance contexts, to denote events outside human control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act of God" is a common expression used to describe an extraordinary event or circumstance caused exclusively by natural forces without human intervention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in news, legal documents, and general conversation. While grammatically correct, its use should be precise to avoid ambiguity, especially in legal or insurance contexts. When a less theological and more contemporary term is preferred, consider using alternatives such as "force majeure" or "natural disaster".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

force majeure

A legal term for unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract; similar to "act of God" but more formal.

vis major

Latin term meaning 'superior force'; another formal synonym for an event that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled.

natural disaster

Focuses specifically on the destructive power of nature, whereas "act of God" can encompass a broader range of uncontrollable events.

unavoidable casualty

Highlights the aspect of an event leading to unavoidable loss or damage.

inevitable accident

Emphasizes the certainty of an event occurring, despite any attempts to prevent it.

unforeseen event

A general term for something unexpected that happens without warning.

unpreventable occurrence

Focuses on the inability to stop an event from happening.

beyond human control

Clearly indicates that an event is outside the realm of human influence or prevention.

an instance of fate

Implies that an event was predetermined and unavoidable, governed by destiny or chance.

stroke of bad luck

Highlights the misfortune associated with an event, framing it as a result of chance.

FAQs

What does the phrase "act of God" typically refer to?

The phrase "act of God" typically refers to an event that is both extraordinary and exclusively due to natural causes, without human intervention. Examples include severe weather events or other natural disasters.

When is it appropriate to use the term "act of God" in a legal context?

In legal contexts, "act of God" is used to describe an event that is unforeseeable and unpreventable, thus relieving a party from liability. It's often included in contracts as a "force majeure" clause.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "act of God"?

Alternatives include "force majeure", "natural disaster", or "unforeseen event" depending on the context. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "act of God" to describe events caused by human negligence?

No, it is incorrect. The phrase "act of God" specifically refers to events that occur exclusively from natural causes without human intervention. Events caused by negligence do not qualify.